The Voice

The Voice is a group that gives young people aged 12 to 18 a chance to meet with their peers to discuss mental health, learn life skills and have fun.

The Voice was established in early 2018 with the aim to help those who may lack confidence, feel isolated or have feelings of anxiety.

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, their brains are changing, 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 at their own pace (and pizza)!

Once a Voice member reaches their 18th birthday, there will be an opportunity to apply to become a Voice Champion to further develop themselves with support from Kids Inspire and give something back to their communities.

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

Voice member taking part in ‘Concrete Canvas’ in Chelmsford. Painting a mural designed by the group at local resturant.

“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 next meet?

When – From Wednesday 8th January 2025, then every other Wednesday (Term time only)

Time – 4.30pm to 6pm

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

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

What does a Voice session look like?

Sessions are typically structured as check ins, 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 game.

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.

Information for secondary schools

If you would like us to visit your school to present a talk about The Voice to your students please contact the team.

Information for parents/Carers

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

The Voice Highlights

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.

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

Read all about our Sailing Trip.

An Illuminating Christmas Celebration

To celebrate the group’s success over the year, we all took a trip out to ‘Enlightened’ at Hylands house. The evening was filled with beautiful lights, hot chocolates and a lot of laughs. Oh and some icy toes of course!

Trips out give members an opportunity to discover something new, spend time with friends from The Voice in a different setting and most of all have fun!