RECRUITMENT & YOUTH VOICE

Through a partnership with Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH), Youth Leads UK trained and empowered young advisers to shape the recruitment of future mental health professionals, ensuring that youth perspectives were central to the selection process. The collaboration also led to the creation of a youth-led newsletter, giving young people a platform to raise awareness of GMMH’s services and amplify their voices.

SKILLS

Youth Leads UK strengthened the knowledge of GMMH’s Youth Participation & Engagement Group, using tools from their Leadership Programme. Sessions included education around job interviews, the role of an interviewer, and the importance of having young people in this kind of decision-making role.

A highlight from the session was the role-playing element, where young people acted as interviewers and interviewees to apply what they learned. Many young people left the workshop feeling more confident and noted their improved understanding of professional interview dynamics.

WORKSHOPS

WERE DELIVERED ACROSS GREATER MANCHESTER

20+

YOUNG PEOPLE

TOOK PART IN THE WORKSHOPS

NEWSLETTERS

WERE DRAFTED WITH CREATIVE EXPERTS & YOUNG PEOPLE

100%

OF YOUNG PEOPLE

SAID THEY ENJOYED THE SESSIONS AND WOULD ATTEND MORE

CONTENT

Following the interview skills training, young people explored how newsletters can amplify their voices and create real impact.

The sessions strengthened young people’s creative writing skills, highlighting the importance of understanding their audience and shaping a clear purpose for their newsletter.

They also got practical experience in visual branding, learning the core elements of designing engaging, impactful content.

These creative content sessions acted as the foundation for their completed newsletter, which you can find here.

90% OF PARTICIPANTS

felt more confident in their interviewing skills after the workshops

IMPACT

This partnership empowered young voices, ensuring their perspectives are heard within GMMH services and embedded into key decision-making processes.

Through their involvement in recruitment panels and the creation of a youth-led newsletter, participants influenced how future mental health professionals are selected and how services are communicated.

Alongside developing technical skills, young people gained a deeper understanding of their potential to drive change in their communities. Many shared that the workshops helped them feel more connected, valued, and inspired to continue contributing to mental health advocacy.

“I never thought I’d feel confident enough to be on an interview panel, but now I know my voice matters, and I can make a difference.” – Workshop Participant