Our Young Leaders’ Programme offers a unique opportunity for young people aged 14+ who have taken part in Free to Be Kids’ projects to return on our residential projects as volunteers and role models for younger children. Young Leaders gain valuable experience working directly with children facing similar challenges to their own, fostering a sense of purpose and building excellent communication and leadership skills. Comprehensive training and coaching is provided to help Young Leaders to transition from receiving support to providing it to others and a full calendar of professional development and fun activities runs alongside the volunteering programme.

Young Leaders also feed into the day to day running of the charity, supporting in training adult volunteers, shortlisting new staff members and providing insights to funders and supporters. At age 18, Young Leaders are supported to become part of Free to Be Kids’ general volunteering team, continuing their engagement.