NEWS: Meet Groundwork’s 2025 Youth Advisory Board
In April, Groundwork’s 2025 Youth Advisory Board (YAB) came together in person to explore their plans for the year ahead.
17 people aged 16-24 were recruited to the YAB in February 2025. The group is made up of young people from all walks of life, across the UK.
The day provided YAB members with an opportunity to connect and work with each other face to face for the first time. Throughout, the group also had the opportunity to learn more about Groundwork and were introduced to the different teams across the organisation.
This away day began the YAB’s crucial work – that will be shaped over the coming year – to talk through what the YAB and Groundwork would like to see from a new National Youth Strategy.
I am proud to be part of the YAB. I like having my voice heard and having my knowledge challenged.
Saskia, 23, from Sheffield
I have really enjoyed meeting new faces in the YAB and finding my feet in an industry I want to pursue. Today I’ve learnt so many new things, especially about community impact!
Scarlett, 20, from Manchester
I’m most excited to participate in a creative type of political campaigning, that is not just protesting, and community organising at a national level.
Mia, 23, from Shropshire
The YAB plays a key role to the charity, with those involved offering their insight and lived experience to shape strategy and on-going development. Members have the opportunity to see behind the scenes of a national charity all while developing confidence, skills and the opportunity to share their opinions and experience with both Groundwork colleagues and peers.
It’s always a real pleasure to welcome a new intake of Youth Advisory Board members. As a charity dedicated to ensuring everyone has a voice in their community, giving young people the chance to shape our work is hugely important. We know that young people are disproportionately affected by environmental issues – from increased air pollution to the loss of green spaces. We also know that young people want to play a part in identifying solutions and find taking practical action the best antidote to rising anxiety. I look forward to working with the Board to ensure our communications, campaigns and programmes are reaching new audiences and delivering even greater impact.
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive
I was delighted to meet the Youth Advisory Board members and I’m so grateful to them all for giving Groundwork their time. I was struck by the levels of commitment from an amazing bunch of young people and their thoughtful contributions to discussions about we can best achieve our vision of ‘Green homes’, ‘Green jobs’ and ‘Green communities’. Taking on board the voice of young people, their hopes and fears, is critically important to make sure our work and programmes are meeting the needs of those who will be living the future.
Oona Muirhead, UK Chair of Groundwork’s Federation Board
Groundwork first started the Youth Advisory Board in 2016 and each year since has invited young people from across the UK to join and make a difference.
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact: media@groundwork.org.uk
About Groundwork
Groundwork is a federation of charities with a collective mission to take practical action to create a fair and green future in which people, places, and nature thrive. We support communities and businesses to build capacity and resilience in order to tackle hardship, achieve a just transition to net-zero and help nature recover in a way that reduces inequality and leads to healthier, happier lives for all: www.groundwork.org.uk