Candidate Statement: My name is Kayla, I'm 15 years old and
I am in Year 11 at Cardiff West Community High School where my Option choices
were Media, ICT and Hairdressing.
I have been involved in Participation in NYAS Cymru for
about 18 months as a member of the Young Person’s Advisory Group (YPAG) with
other care experienced young people across Wales. I first joined the group as i
thought it would be a great opportunity for me to make some new friends and
meet some other children in the foster network. The YPAG are consulted on
changes to NYAS Cymru services, policy, and recruitment. The group help to
ensure that NYAS Cymru and other services and projects in Wales meet the needs
of those with care experience. We meet a minimum of twice a month and do fun
activities as well as change making activities.
I enjoy going to meetings because it's interesting to see
where my voice can take me. I am very happy to be the Youth Parliament
representative for NYAS Cymru because I feel like it is important for young
children and people to be listened to especially when you have been in care.
One of the things I would like to change is the way teenagers get labelled as
being lazy when they are just struggling with mental health and GCSE’s.
Personally, I don't think teenagers' mental health is taken seriously in schools
or with the police. I feel like everyone's voice matters, and I want young
people who are, or have been in care to know that it is okay to speak up about
what is bothering them and to ask for help. Another thing i want to change is
how girls get cat called which makes them feel uncomfortable. I feel like girls
and women should be able to wear whatever they want. I also want people with
neurodiversity to get the help they need in school, university/college or in
the workplace. Especially those with autism or dyslexia.
