Join the Youth Advisory Network: Make Your Voice Heard!
Want to explore your creativity? Want to shape the future for young people in your community? Join our Youth Advisory Network and be part of real change!
The Southbank Centre and Black Thrive are launching a Youth Advisory Network (YAN) that will give young people aged 11–16, and 17-25 years old, a real voice in shaping how the Southbank Centre delivers their new youth Arts & Wellbeing programme.
This is part of a collaboration between the Southbank Centre and Black Thrive, placing youth voice and lived experience at the centre of youth projects to harness the power of creativity to support better mental health outcomes for young people in Lambeth and Southwark.
Who Are We Looking For?
Young people aged 11–25 in Lambeth or Southwark, especially those with:
- Underrepresented voices in the arts
- Lived experience (e.g. disabled young people, young carers, care-experienced youth, etc.)
- ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) backgrounds
- Neurodivergent individuals, whether self-identified or formally diagnosed- Autism, ADHD, etc
- Young refugees or migrants
We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse young people, including LGBTQI+ or neurodivergent and from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Participation
There are two ways you could take part and contribute:
Youth Advisory Network: You will receive information on events, opportunities and general updates on the youth community. All activities and events are free, and include refreshments. A travel bursary is available for those involved.
Youth Advisory Group: This will involve meeting 1-2 times a month and working on creative projects and building skillsets. Those joining the Advisory Group will be compensated for their time with vouchers and also supported by a travel bursary.
If you or someone you think may be interested in joining the Youth Network has any specific access needs or would like to know more about our access facilities and support on site, please email youthnetwork@southbankcentre.co.uk
The Journey – Key Phases
Phase | Date | Description |
Roadshow | May | Creative workshops in youth clubs, schools, and community spaces in Lambeth & Southwark. |
Taster Sessions | May Half Term | Participants get a feel for the advisory group through engaging sessions in the community. |
Welcome Day | June | A fun introduction to The Southbank Centre – full of creative tasters! Participants will get a chance to visit the Southbank Centre, meet the team, and sign up officially to the Advisory Group. |
Advisory Network Launch | June | Selected young people begin shaping the programme. |
What Will You Do?
- Be Heard: Share your ideas and experiences! Young people will co-create a Wellbeing Manifesto and help shape the new programme offer and the activities
- Build Skills: Gain experience in arts, leadership, and advisory roles
- Grow: Develop creative and professional skills by engaging with creative projects and people.
- Create Impact: Help design and plan youth led events, influence decisions, and make your community better for everyone.
- Get Perks: Access to the UK’s largest arts centre, including free and discounted tickets, signposting and networking opportunities.
- Make Connections: Meet other inspiring young people and work together on projects that matter.
We value youth voice, so will be giving opportunities for members of our network to join our Youth Advisory Board. As a member of the board you will receive vouchers for your engagement.
How to Sign Up to the Youth Advisory Network
Ready to join? It’s quick and easy:
- Click the Google Form link below
- Fill in your details (it takes less than 3 minutes!)
- We’ll be in touch with next steps and upcoming sessions!
To sign up for the network, click here!
Got Questions?
Want to know more before you sign up? Drop us an email at youthnetwork@southbankcentre.co.uk
Your Voice. Your Network. Your Future.
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