Meet the team
Our Youth Impact Board is made up of an inspiring group of 16-24 year olds from across Nottinghamshire who are passionate about making a difference.
Each member brings their own experiences, ideas, and perspectives to the table - whether that's as a young person who has used services, someone just starting their NHS career, or simply someone who cares about creating positive change for others.
Together, they represent the diverse voices of young people in our communities and work alongside NHS professionals to shape, challenge and improve services.
Chris Cook, Youth Impact Board Advocate
Mini profile: I'm Chris, a recent graduate of Nottingham Trent University for Games Production and I have been with YIB for around a year and a half. I am a complete dabbler, from freelance video editing for streamers, to running a Dungeons and Dragons campaign for a children's club or making food for homeless shelters. Then even archery, kayaking or chess. I love to explore all this world has to offer and make sure as many people as possible can enjoy it along with me.
I have always wanted to support as many people as possible and when I was studying to be a game developer I dreamed of creating materials to educate/help people. While at University I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to work with the YIB to make one of these materials. I have a history with mental health and support people around me with it so I jumped at the opportunity. Now over a year later the YIB is blossoming and I love every aspect of its mission and as part of it I have the chance to be able to work on something that will assist so many young people, how could I not want to be a part of it.
Fun fact: A fun fact about me is that I am a massive fantasy lover. In this genre, I have read many titles, watched many shows/movies, written a quite a lot of short stories and have an ongoing DnD campaign that I game master for of over a year.
Mia Wagstaff, Youth Impact Board Advocate
Mini profile: I have been a service user for many years and have received multiple different types of support. I have worked in healthcare as an involvement partner volunteer and as a student. I am passionate about improving services and about making individuals receive good quality care.
In the future I want to work as an occupational therapist in mental health. I am currently an OT student at university.
I was able to join the youth impact board through joining in a with a service improvement research group, I got introduced to involvement from there and I have been volunteering as an involvement partner for around two years. I hope to get involved in many different projects and opportunities.
Fun fact: I can speak German (not fluently) bit I am learning at the moment.
Macy Green, Youth Impact Board Advocate
Mini profile: I first heard about the Youth Impact Board whilst doing work experience in CAMHS, I took this amazing opportunity and joined YIB because I am passionate about young people having a voice, feeling as though their voices are heard and their opinions are valued, feeling respected and included and having a part in making positive changes to services.
I want to use my voice and lived experience to make a real difference and make sure that nobody feels silenced or left behind as I believe that everybody should have a chance to speak up about the changes that they want to see. Youth voices are powerful and I'm looking forward to seeing the positive impact we will have in the future.
Fun fact: I once went parasailing in Greece. In my free time I enjoy baking (mostly cheesecakes), going on walks with my siblings, drawing and making friendship bracelets!
Jess Wenborn, Youth Impact Board Advocate
Mini profile: I joined the Youth Impact Board after learning about it during a placement with a incredible mental health team. I was eager to get involved because I loved what the team were doing and I too believe that people should have a say in their own care, the services they use, and the decisions that affect them. This is especially important for young people, who are often overlooked or excluded from these discussions.
As someone who us working towards a career in mental health, particularly with children and young people, I believe it's essential that their voices are heard, respected, and valued.
I believe that in order for myself, other professionals and services to provide the best support possible, we must understand what both the young people and their families need and want. It's important to me that they feel included, empowered, and not dismissed simply because of their age.
In addition to the youth impact board I am currently a 4th year psychology student studying in Nottingham. Outside of study I enjoy pool, arts and crafts and cooking, I also work as a barista part time, which is why I have also recently had to reduce my caffeine intake .
Fun fact: I love to crochet and spend a lot of time making various different animals and clothes, however although I have started about 10 different projects I have only ever completed about two.
Sienna Kemp-Adair, Youth Impact Board Advocate
Mini profile: I joined the YIB through MH:2K as I am passionate about young people getting their voices heard and being advocates for change. I think this is a really challenging time for young people, and it is important that young people are involved in the design of services and policies that affect them - only young people truly understand the needs and challenges of young people. One of the most important things for me is the chance to ensure that we reach everyone, especially the young people who may struggle to get their voices heard.
In addition to working on the YIB, I am an architecture student in Leeds, where my main interests are creating spaces that benefit and are accessible to everyone and improve mental wellbeing, focusing on the psychology of spaces. I also work for a small local architecture practice in my free time.
Fun fact: I love animals but I am terrified of bugs. I have two adopted lizards - a bearded dragon called Willow and a crocodile gecko called Mr. Eko (who both have to be fed bugs). Mr. Eko was brought into the zoo where I worked by a member of the public in an empty jar who had found him after he had travelled to this country on a pallet of tomatoes!
Lucy Paine, Youth Impact Board Advocate
Mini profile: I have been apart of CAMHS involvement for 5 years , after being a patient and wanting to make a change in services and improve the care patients received under mental health services. I am extremely passionate around service improvement and patients getting the care they deserve. I have also been a volunteer in AMH services and in CAMHS.
Alongside this I am a Nursing Associate in CAMHS , and work with young people on Hercules Ward.
Fun fact: I am obsessed with Florence and the Machine and I have 2 dogs, Snoopy and Woody.
Neve Jones, Youth Impact Board Advocate
Mini profile: I'm Neve I'm 23 and studying a masters in mental health research and practice. I have a passion for CAMHS and helping shape the service for other young people.
Fun fact: I have a big jelly cat collection!
Ruqaiyah Ali, Youth Impact Board Advocate
Mini profile: I joined the YIB because I genuinely care about creating spaces where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered to shape the world around them.
I'm particularly passionate about social equity, mental health, and making sure policy reflects the realities of everyday life. For me, it's about turning lived experience into lasting change-and making sure no one feels left behind in the process.
I really enjoy cooking, going on short walks to clear my head, reading and writing short stories. I find storytelling a great way to connect with others and reflect on different perspectives. Helping people, whether it's offering a listening ear or giving a hand where I can, is something that means a lot to me.
Fun fact: I have a tendency to start multiple TV shows at once and never finish any of them-my watchlist is practically endless!
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