We’re proud to announce the launch of our first-ever Young Ambassador Programme, a new initiative created to support young people aged 16–25 in developing their skills, confidence, and leadership while contributing meaningfully to social change.
Developed by Extraordinary Links, this programme reflects our commitment to reducing inequality by centring lived experience, strengthening participation, and investing in young people as active partners.
This first cohort represents the beginning of a long-term commitment to youth leadership and inclusive practice.
What is the Youth Ambassador Programme?
The Youth Ambassador Programme is a six-week, online training initiative designed to equip young people with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to represent themselves and their communities safely and effectively.
Participants will be supported to grow as ambassadors for Extraordinary Links, contributing to campaigns, events, awareness-raising, and public engagement activities in ways that reflect their individual interests and strengths.
No prior experience is required. The programme is designed to be accessible, supportive, and empowering, meeting young people where they are.
What will participants learn?
Across six interactive sessions, participants will explore:
- Public speaking and confidence-building
- Storytelling and sharing lived experience responsibly
- Safeguarding and ethical representation
- Campaign planning and event leadership
- Media awareness and digital confidence
- Disability awareness and UK disability history
The programme takes a trauma-informed and safeguarding-led approach, ensuring young people are supported to develop their voices in a way that prioritises wellbeing, choice and agency.
Participants who complete the programme will receive a certificate, recognising their learning and achievement.
Why this programme — and why now?
At Extraordinary Links, we work to reduce inequality and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND, as well as their families, by amplifying lived experience and promoting inclusive practice.
Too often, young people are excluded from decision-making or invited in without the training and support they need to participate meaningfully. This programme is designed to address that gap.
By investing in structured training and ongoing support, the Youth Ambassador Programme builds capacity, develops leadership skills, and creates sustainable pathways for young people to engage in advocacy, awareness-raising, and public-facing work. It reflects our belief that meaningful change happens when those most affected by inequality are supported to shape both the conversations and the solutions themselves.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is open to young people aged 16–25 who:
- Have an interest in inclusion, equality or disability rights
- Want to build confidence, skills and experience
- Are able to commit to a six-week programme
We welcome participants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Lived experience is valued, and support needs will be discussed during the application process.
What happens next?
Applications are open for the next cohort, with the programme starting shortly afterwards. Places will be limited to ensure sessions remain supportive, participatory and high quality.
📌 Interested in joining the first cohort or supporting the programme?
Contact extraordinarylinks1@outlook.com.
This programme represents the start of a new chapter for Extraordinary Links, one that places young people at the centre of leadership, learning and long-term change.