Speaking up for young people's mental health
This summer, two of our youth ambassadors went to Parliament in London. They talked to MPs about the Fund the Hubs campaign, calling for mental health support hubs in every local area. Holly tells their story.
On 22 June, I set of from North Wales to London Euston for something I'll never forget - the parliamentary event in support of the Fund the Hubs campaign. As a youth ambassador for the Charlie Waller Trust, I knew this was more than just a trip to London. It was a chance to raise our voices, to be heard by decision-makers and to stand up for the future of young people's mental health support.
After arriving in London, I checked into the hotel and met with Fatima, another youth ambassador.
Holly (left) and Fatima making their views known!
We shared what we were both excited and nervous about, which helped me feel grounded. It was reassuring to know that others felt the same mix of anticipation and nerves - but also the same determination to make a difference.
The morning of the event
The next morning, I woke up with a buzz of nervous energy. After getting ready and grabbing breakfast, Fatima and I met Charlotte from the Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition. We talked about how the day might unfold and brainstormed content ideas to capture the experience.
After a quick lunch stop, we returned to Charlotte's office where introductions began with Luke Billingham and Angel Fletcher from the National Youth Agency, and we prepared ourselves for the day ahead.
Into Westminster
Soon, we were off - hopping onto a red double decker bus, weaving through the streets of London, and heading towards one of the most important buildings in the country. Walking across Westminster Bridge and through Parliament security was surreal. It struck me just how significant this opportunity was: young people like me were about to walk into Parliament to talk about why mental health hubs matter.
Inside, I met other charities and helped set up the room. There was a real buzz in the air as we shared stories about our work and why we were there. Each conversation reminded me how powerful it is when organisations and young people come together for a common cause.
Speaking with MPs
As MPs began to arrive, the room felt alive with possibility. We listened to a talk from Cassandra Harrison, CWO of Youth Access, before having the chance to speak directly with MPs about their thoughts on the hubs. These conversations mattered - it was our chance to show why accessible, early mental health support is so urgently needed for young people everywhere.
Later, we heard from Natasha Irons, MP for Croydon East, whose words added weight to the campaign. In that moment, I realised how far we'd come - from conversations in our communities to standing in Parliament itself, making the case for change.
When the event drew to a close, everyone pitched in to help pack up. It wasn't just about clearing a room; it felt like tying up an important chapter of the campaign, one that had left a real impact.
Looking back
We ended the day with a debrief, sharing our thoughts about how it all went. I left feeling inspired and hopeful. It wasn't just about the speeches or the setting - it was about the passion in the room, the unity of voices, and the belief that, together, we can make things better.
After saying goodbye to Charlotte and Fatima, I travelled back to Euston with some of the representatives from YPAS, a mental health charity based in Liverpool. Over dinner, we reflected on everything we had experienced, still buzzing from the day.
On the train home to Wales, I finally had the space to take it all in. I felt proud, grateful and more motivated than ever to keep pushing for change.
Why this matters
Attending the parliamentary event showed me the power of young people's voices. Too often, decisions about mental health are made without truly hearing from those who need support most. But that day, in that room, young people were heard.
The Fund the Hubs campaign is about more than services - it's about giving every young person the chance to access help when they need it, without the long waits, without judgement, and without barriers. Being part of this journey has strengthened my belief that change is possible - and that it starts with speaking up.
I came home from London with a stronger sense of purpose. If one thing is clear, it's this: when young people unite their voices with those of charities, communities and campaigners, we have the power to shape a brighter, healthier future.
