During Evie’s time with The Youth Association, she has engaged in a range of social action and youth voice projects. Here’s Evie’s story in her own words…
‘My name is Evie and I’m 14 years old and I struggle with my mental health and face daily battles, for example with ASD (autism spectrum disorder), anxiety disorders and PDA tendencies (pathological demand avoidance).
I first met Youth Workers in a park in Barnsley. At first we met every week and did different activities, including team building, drugs awareness and relationships workshop. One session we were doing boxercise when the Youth Worker asked us if we wanted to be a part of a mental health project to make an animation with Barnsley Council’s Public Health.
We watched the animation go from ideas on a poster board to a short film that relays our message with emotion. I feel that the animation was a good idea as people can connect and engage more meaningfully with a video that portrays emotion rather than a poster that everyone would overlook. Each week our feedback was taken into consideration instead of being brushed off, like we often are as young people. Throughout the entire process I felt seen and heard as I’d mention an idea one week and see it come to life the next. The project has helped young people realise they have a voice, and they will be heard.
Through helping with this project, I have been able to share some of my personal experiences during the process and hear other people’s which has helped me understand that I am not alone. It feels good that I can raise awareness and help make it so that others don’t have to experience the same trauma that school left me with.
I’m glad that I took on this commitment as when I joined high school, I went into burn out and my mental health decreased. I was seen as a naughty child because I couldn’t cope in my lessons, often walking out or shouting at teachers as I didn’t know how to defend myself or explain how I felt. I was often excluded as I was misunderstood which therefore jeopardised my education.
In public and outside of sessions there’s authority figures but youth workers don’t act like their bigger or more important than us, they treat us as equals.’
Evie has also spearheaded the voice campaign around improved SEN support in schools, as it is an issue she is passionate about due to lived experience. Evie is a young activist and an advocate for neurodivergent young people.
‘I think it’s important to break the stigma around naughty kids and help raise awareness of those who are struggling. Kids shouldn’t have to survive; kids should be allowed to thrive.’
Evie presented in the Town Hall Chambers to Councillors, the Mayor and the local authority.
‘I liked hearing all the good things they had to say and that they want more people to hear what we were saying, which is exciting but scary.’
Overall, Evie has expressed that she has gained new friends and skills from working with The Youth Association, including public speaking, communication, teamwork, managing herself and work.