The Voice

The Voice is a group that gives young people a chance to meet with their peers to discuss mental health, learn life skills and have fun. This year we aim to have two groups for ages 12-15 and 16-19.

An ideal Voice member would be a young person who is keen to make new friends and learn new skills to support their confidence, growth and emotional wellbeing.

Enquire about The Voice

Being a teenager can be hard, our brains change, emotions are running high and socialising can seem like a challenge. Studies have shown that having good social relationships in your teens can help with many other parts of your life such as self-confidence, developing social skills and self-esteem.

Four people from the voice group — Members of The Voice with facilitators Carla and Jane

The Voice helps young people develop social skills, learn about self-identity and practice new skills while in a safe space surrounded by a supportive group (and pizza)!

For more information about The Voice, including any upcoming drop-in events for potential new members, please contact voice@kidsinspire.org.uk.

The Voice was established in early 2018 to help those who may lack confidence or have feelings of anxiety.

“After joining the Voice she smiles & spends time with us instead of retreating to isolation in her room.” – Mum

Voice Facilitator, Romany and Voice Ambassadors delivering at The ECVYS Youth Voice Conference

“The members of The Voice listen, respect and support one another. It is a safe space for young people to express how they are feeling and acknowledge the feelings of others.
The Voice aids the young people to grow in confidence, make friends and express themselves. It's wonderful watching their characters develop throughout their journeys.”
**Romany Whurr, Community Engagement Team**

When do The Voice meet?

When – Every other Wednesday

Time – 4.30pm to 6pm (Term time)

Please note we are aiming to plan activities in some of the school holidays

Where – Kids Inspire, Hargrave House, Hollycroft, Great Baddow, CM2 7FW, Chelmsford

Please note transport must be organised by the caregiver or young person (16+)

What does a Voice session look like?

Sessions are typically structured as discussion, activity, discussion, and roundup.

When arriving you will go in to our Voice room where there will be pizza and drinks, at the start everyone has a catch-up with one another.

For the next 30-45 minutes we will do an activity or a speaker will come in to talk to the group.

Towards the end of the session, the group have free-flowing conversations. We then round up the session and briefly discuss what we will be doing next time.

Occasional sessions will take place outside of Kids Inspire. Trips out will be communicated and organised in advance.

The Voice 2023

Throughout the year our Voice members are invited to go along to fantastic trips and be part of Kids Inspire projects.

By taking part in these activities members develop their confidence skills, problem-solving and learn practical life skills.

This year we set sail at Brightlingsea, worked as a team at an escape room, presented workshops on social media safety and more!

Read all about our Sailing Trip.