In a world that has been fundamentally shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic and beset by the relentless waves of a cost-of-living crisis, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. Our young people, especially those from racialised communities, have borne a disproportionate burden of these challenges...
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In a world that has been fundamentally shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic and beset by the relentless waves of a cost-of-living crisis, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. Our young people, especially those from racialised communities, have borne a disproportionate burden of these challenges. The existing systemic inequalities have not only deepened the impact but have also revealed a harsh reality: the struggles for mental well-being and access to proper healthcare have intensified.
Research unambiguously attests to the surge in young people from racialised communities seeking mental health support during the pandemic, a trajectory that continues to rise. Yet, when they do seek help, they are met with a system often ill-suited to their unique needs. A glaring lack of cultural competence amongst practitioners exacerbates the trauma experienced by these young individuals, as they are forced to navigate a world that often minimizes or dismisses their lived experiences of racism.
It is in recognising these profound challenges and their urgent implications that we unite. For the past three years, in partnership with UK Youth and the Centre for Mental Health, we have been unwavering in our commitment to addressing this pressing issue through the Changemakers Programme. Together, we have partnered with young people from racialised communities, supporting them to become Changemakers in their own right.
This transformational journey has been about fostering personal growth and building the capacity to lead change. Through youth-led social action projects, these young individuals have been shifting the dial on mental health provision, reminding us all that a brighter future is not just possible but within our collective grasp.
Do you hear the call for change? It is loud, it is urgent, and it is a testament to what we can do as a collective. Together, we can pave the way towards a future where equality, empathy, and understanding prevail—where every young person, regardless of their background, can embrace their potential and flourish.
This Black History Month, we invite you to join us in creating a world where no one is left behind and where every young person can thrive.
Dr Tessy Ojo CBE
CEO The Diana Award
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The Diana Award recently launched our first Youth Insights Report, focused on Youth Voice in Politics. To ensure youth involvement from the ground up, we involved Peer Researchers throughout the process to help connect us with the stories and experiences of young people. Follow Peer Researchers Gracie and Arthur, as they journey towards improving levels of youth engagement in politics and discuss the power of young people as facilitators, analysts, and champions for change.
International Youth Day, celebrated annually on 12 August, is a global celebration of the contributions, aspirations, and potential of young people around the world. It is a day of significance at The Diana Award, and to celebrate this year, we asked two young people from across our programmes to talk about a topic close to their hearts. This article, written by Iola Nkau, Co-producer on The Diana Award Young Changemakers Programme, highlights the difficulty young people have in finding and accessing GP services. The second article, written by Centre for Social Action Co-Designer, Obinna Emmanuel Ezeani, highlights the need for youth inclusion and diverse representation in decision-making processes.
