Welcome back to Voices in Action, a podcast from The National Lottery Community Fund, co-produced with Be the change. Media Network.

In this episode, host Lily Mott explores how communities across Wales are working alongside young people to transform mental health support through Mind Our Future, a National Lottery-funded programme designed to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

Rather than hearing from just one organisation, this episode brings together voices from partnerships across Wales that are taking different approaches to the same shared goal: creating services with young people, not for them. From creative arts and youth centres to schools, community spaces, and peer support programmes, each partnership shares how they're breaking down barriers, building trust, and designing support that reflects what young people actually need.

Throughout the episode, young people and practitioners reflect on the moments that have stayed with them most, the impact these projects have had on their confidence, wellbeing, and communities, and why meaningful youth participation has been central to their success. They also share honest advice for other organisations looking to create more inclusive, youth-led approaches to supporting mental health.

This episode is a powerful reminder that improving mental health isn't just about providing services; it's about listening to young people, investing in relationships, and giving communities the tools to create lasting change together.

For more information about:

• The National Lottery Community Fund: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
• Mind Our Future: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/from-decision-making-to-culture-change-developing-our-approach-to-youth-voice
• Be the change. Media Network: https://www.bethechangemedianetwork.com/

Follow The National Lottery Community Fund on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Subscribe to this podcast and join us for more stories of youth-led change, community, and the power of social action.

Welcome back to Voices in Action, a podcast from The National Lottery Community Fund, co-produced with Be the change. Media Network.

In this episode, host Lily Mott explores what it really means for young people to take on leadership roles in governance, as equal, trusted decision-makers shaping strategy and funding at The National Lottery Community Fund.

Lily is joined by four inspiring guests who sit on the Fund’s country committees across the UK. Holly Hendrie is a Scotland Committee Member, Callum Bruce-Phillips sits on the Wales Committee, Caolan McKiernan is a Northern Ireland Committee Member, and Millie Downes sits on the England Committee. Each brings their own professional and lived experience into governance spaces, from youth work and community development to arts, culture, and local government.

Together, they discuss what country committees do, how they achieved their roles, and what it’s like to help decide how funding strategy and priorities are shaped. They reflect on the importance of preparation and support through the Young Trustees Movement, and the value of project site visits to ground governance in real community impact.

The conversation also explores some of the challenges they've faced – including assumptions about having to “represent all young people,” navigating power dynamics, and what governance spaces can get wrong when involving young people in leadership. The guests share why access, support, and a genuine willingness to share power are essential for making youth participation in governance meaningful and effective.

This episode is a powerful look at what happens when young people are not just consulted, but trusted with influence, and why opening up governance spaces leads to better lives in communities across the UK.

For more information about:

• The National Lottery Community Fund: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
• The National Lottery Community Fund’s Approach to Youth Voice: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/from-decision-making-to-culture-change-developing-our-approach-to-youth-voice
• Be the change. Media Network: https://www.bethechangemedianetwork.com/

Follow The National Lottery Community Fund on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Subscribe to this podcast and join us for more stories of youth-led change, community, and the power of social action.

Welcome back to Voices in Action, a podcast from The National Lottery Community Fund, co-produced with Be the change. Media Network.

In this episode, we explore the role of Youth Voice Advisors at The National Lottery Community Fund, where young people help assess applications, speak directly with applicants, and influence funding decisions to change lives across the UK.

Our host, Lily Mott, is joined by three brilliant guests who bring different perspectives to this work. Youth Voice Advisors Fatemah and Ffion reflect on their journeys in the role so far. Nadine, who works on the UK Fund programme, shares how Youth Voice Advisors are embedded into grantmaking processes and how their insights are changing how staff think, learn, and make decisions.

Together, they explore what youth involvement in grantmaking actually looks like in practice: from peer reviewing applications and leading calls with young people, to evaluating meaningful youth participation. They explore how being trusted with real influence builds confidence, shifts power, and changes the way organisations understand communities.

This episode is an honest look at what happens when young people are not just heard, but believed, respected, and trusted to help shape decisions. We see how that impact is felt not only by young people, but by staff, systems, and funders.

For more information about:

• The National Lottery Community Fund: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
• The National Lottery Community Fund’s Approach to Youth Voice: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/from-decision-making-to-culture-change-developing-our-approach-to-youth-voice
• Be the change. Media Network: https://www.bethechangemedianetwork.com/

Follow The National Lottery Community Fund on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Subscribe to this podcast and join us for more stories of youth-led change, community, and the power of social action.