Young Champion FAQs

What will becoming a Young Champion involve?

Our Young Champions volunteer their time to participate in a range of activities and events across Anna Freud, sharing their expertise as young people by experience. This can include things like taking part in media opportunities to raise awareness of mental health, helping out at mental health events and workshops and supporting us to design new services for children and young people.

You can choose what you get involved in depending on your availability and interest. You will be supported by our Youth Participation Officer, who will work with you to find the right volunteering opportunities for you.

Just to be clear, this work DOES NOT involve working directly with vulnerable families or young people and if you are looking to get work experience volunteering, please visit our recruitment page. 

How much time do I need to give?

We are very flexible and can work around your availability. However, you will be expected to be able to volunteer for a minimum of two hours each month, but this includes activities you can do from home as well AND attend all of our six-weekly Youth Panels.

Can I volunteer around school or college hours?

Yes, you can definitely volunteer around school or college hours. All we ask is that you are able to volunteer for a minimum of two hours each month.

Do I need to have a personal connection to mental health to become a Champion?

We believe that everyone has a personal connection to mental health, whether that is yourself, a family member, a friend or through something you read on social media, it impacts us all, we will want to hear more from you about this in your application form. There is a large variety of opportunities for Young Champions at Anna Freud, some of which may ask for specific mental health experiences. However, as long as you have a passion to create positive change in mental health, we would love to hear from you – so please do get in touch.  

What training and support will you provide?

We are committed to ensuring all our Champions are fully supported to engage in our projects and services in an informed and meaningful way. 

We will make sure you are fully briefed before you engage in any activity and we will provide you with access to training (such as safeguarding, blogging, information governance training and a Young Champion Induction Day) to support your development and help you learn new skills. We are also open to suggestions from Champions about any additional ideas for training and development that you may feel you need in order to engage with opportunities effectively. 

Will my expenses be paid?

Yes, we can currently cover travel expenses up to £30. If your travel cost more than this, it is up to you to pay this. When you register as a Champion we will talk you though our expenses policy so you will know how you can claim expenses and what you can claim expenses for. Alternatively, please contact us if you would like more details before applying.

Are there any age restrictions to become a Young Champion?

Currently, you need to be between the age of 14 and 25 in order to become a Young Champion.

Do I need a mental health diagnosis?

No, as mentioned in the 'my experience of mental health' tab above, its about the broader holistic approach to how mental health can impact us all. Some opportunities will be specific to people with certain experiences. 

Do I need parental consent to become a Young Champion?

Yes, if you are under 18 we will require a parent or carer to provide consent for you to become a Young Champion. Once we have this and you are enrolled as a Young Champion, you will then be able to engage in activities and projects across Anna Freud.