NDCS Youth Advisory Board
by Lucy Armstrong
Around a year ago, you would have been reading about the beginning of my NDCS YAB (National Deaf Children’s Society Youth Advisory Board) experience, but sadly all good things have to come to an end, and the YAB have just completed their final residential in Cardiff.
My name is Lucy and I am now 15, when I first started on the YAB I was 13 years old and eager for my voice to be heard but as I gained my place on the board and got older, my voice has got louder, and stronger!
The first impact I made was in September 2012 when I got the chance to go to the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton. It was an amazing experience, that I will never forget, and in time I feel that the experience may help me map out what I want to do in the future - meeting so many professionals at the conference.
​
After first two residentials in Birmingham and London, YAB, a group of 17 deaf/hearing impaired young people from around the UK, decided that we wanted to campaign in the health sector. We wanted access to BSL (British Sign Language) interpreters at medical appointments for young people. We have also
worked on encouraging deaf/hearing impaired young people to become more independent in our health care; so that doctors tell US what will be happening, instead of telling our parents. We also want GP surgeries to have an easier booking system for the deaf/hearing impaired, along with more deaf friendly waiting rooms.
Throughout our 4 residentials in Birmingham, London, Manchester and Cardiff I have met some amazing and inspirational people, from fellow members of the board, NDCS staff and the Newsround presenter Ricky Boleto! It has given me a different view of the world and the works and wonders deaf and hearing impaired young people are achieving every day. The friends I have made will be my friends forever and are irreplaceable.
The launch for the campaign, will be on the 4th of February 2014 in London, this will be my last duty as a YAB member, but NDCS will not be getting rid of me that easily as I will still be volunteering for weekend events, writing articles for the buzz website and mentoring and interviewing new YAB members etc. I also hope to get involved at a local level with DDCS to support young people here in Dorset
NDCS are now looking for new YAB members and if you are willing to take on the roll, the application process is pretty simple, and you can apply here:
​
http://youngpeople.ndcsbuzz.org.uk/go.php?structureID=S49FAE2CCD445F&ref=P4F8FD10FDE107
​
If you decide to apply, let me know, and I will give you some top tips if you email me on cheekylulu1998@hotmail.co.uk or even give me a tweet on Twitter@armstrong_lucy
​
Keep your eyes peeled for news of the campaign and also news about how you can make a difference and remember 'the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do'
Lucy!
​
​