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| Youth Elements Celebrating 6 years of youth-led Services and Programmes |
"Take
pride in how far you have come,
and
have faith in how far you can go!"
Christian
Larson
It’s really amazing to think that Youth Elements will be
celebrating its 6th anniversary next month.
The idea of setting up my own business was scary. I had a
choice after my last employment - seek another position or do what was truly in
my heart.
I had a vision, I had an idea and eventually I decided to
act on it. The journey has been full of ups and downs, tears and laughter,
disappointment and delight. However, it’s all been worth it.
I’ve had the opportunity and pleasure to work in
partnership with some fantastic organisations across the UK. Over the last two
years, I have been working with foyer federations and housing associations to help
set up mentoring schemes for young people and adults within their services.
This success has snowballed with the people who have been
mentored going on to motivate, support and empower others.
It took me three attempts to gain Big Lottery Funding for
our tabloid newspaper, Inspire. You
really do learn a lot about yourself when you run your own business. I really
believed in having a positive feel-good newspaper and, because of that, I was
persistent and determined to get the project funded. We've now been funded
twice for the paper.
I love how young adults really are at the forefront of
the company. That will always be the unique thing about Youth Elements. Not
only are we creating self-employment opportunities for our youth team, we are
also instilling them with confidence, motivation, new skills and the self-belief
that they can achieve success and turn their ideas into reality.
My highlights have been delivering our youth-led
conferences One World All Different.
I remember our first one in November 2011, with a youth group from Ireland.
Over 75 professionals attended the event. I was nervous and stressed to the
max. However, over the years these feelings have settled. Taking a step back,
breathing and being kind to myself really helps. This year we will be hosting
number 8!
My confidence and self-belief has grown over the years.
At first I didn’t dare associate myself with Youth Elements or tell people I set up the company, as I was embarrassed, unsure if I was
doing the right thing. I mean I was taking a step into the unknown. Nevertheless,
over time and having a supportive network, I am proud of my achievements and
success. I still have a lot to learn, really we never stop learning.
There's a lot to look forward to in 2017. We’ve just
launched a new website, are hosting a celebratory and lunching event in the
spring and are delivering a resilience and motivation programme with funding
from Children in Need. I myself am taking part in Clore6 Youth SectorEmerging Leaders this is a wonderful opportunity for me
to develop the skills that will enable me to support even more young people.
Youth Elements has achieved so much but, with your help,
we can do even more. Our success has come from building partnerships around the
country and so, if you would like to work with us, please get in touch today!
Amina
Waldron
Youth
Elements
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platforms.
amina@youthelements.org.uk
