SW!TCH Ambassadors help lead conversation on youth safety and mental health

By
LifeLine Comms Team
on
July 16, 2025

The SW!TCH Ambassador Programme continues to support young people to step into leadership roles and speak up on the issues that matter most to them. Over the past month, Ambassadors from LifeLine Projects have taken part in two important events that put young voices at the centre of decision-making.

Francesca Samuels, Hazib Hussain, and Taniyah Safdar were invited to the House of Commons to attend an event by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Youth Affairs.

The meeting focused on young people’s mental health and Francesca was one of just five young people from across the country selected to speak, sharing how mentoring and early support can make a real difference.

The event brought together over 80 young people, along with MPs and national mental health experts.

At the same time, fellow Ambassador Elliott Da Costa was selected as a Youth Facilitator at the VCFS Youth Safety Summit in Barking and Dagenham.

Elliott co-led group discussions with other young people, youth workers and senior professionals from across health, education and policing.

The summit explored what safety looks like in schools, online and in the community. Young people shared honest views and personal experiences, helping to shape future local safeguarding plans.

We were so proud to have had our paid youth facilitators from across B&D’s youth organisations leading the way; our lead Facilitator Anton and the team of Rashid, Dolgene, Mercy, Amirah, Joshua, Elliott, Iannis, Cara, Roza and Saba.

Their leadership, energy, and insight helped shape the summit into something truly meaningful. It was a brilliant example of what happens when we invest in youth voice — not just in principle, but in practice.

Hiwot Ameneshoa
Strategic Lead for Youth Support and Participation,
Barking and Dagenham

These opportunities show the strength and growth of our young leaders, many of whom came into the programme feeling overlooked or unsure of themselves.

What we’re seeing is young people who once lacked confidence now stepping up, speaking out and helping others. Opportunities like these show them that their voice matters and their experience counts. That’s what real leadership looks like.

Itoro Victor Akpan
Lead Youth Development Worker,
LifeLine Projects

To follow the work of our SW!TCH Ambassadors, be sure to check on our Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

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