Our Young Ambassadors
The two-year Young Ambassador Programme is for young adults aged 18-25, who have either been affected by their own brain tumour diagnosis, or that of a loved one.
Role description: View
Applications are now closed to the 2024-2026 programme. Please do have a look at our other volunteering opportunities and the Young Adult service.
If you think you’d be interested in becoming a Young Ambassador in the future, please email involvement@thebraintumourcharity.org
“I’ve definitely made some friends for life…we share a bond, not only through our shared experiences, but also through the memories that we’ve created as Young Ambassadors. It’s been a truly special experience for me.”
Madi, Young Ambassador champion
Meet our new Young Ambassadors 2024-2026
Alex
“I wanted to become a Young Ambassador to support and guide other young people through the difficult phase of a brain cancer diagnosis. I’m looking forward to getting to know other people with brain tumour and raising awareness.”
Amanda
“I wanted to become a young ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity because I want to make a difference in the lives of other people who have been affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. I am most looking forward to raising awareness and funds for The Brain Tumour Charity, ensuring everyone with a diagnosis and their loved ones have access to any support which they may need. I am also looking forward to meeting like-minded people and working alongside them with the goal of finding a cure”
Catherine
“I’m really passionate about the work the Brain Tumour Charity does, after hearing about the Charity after my dad became unwell and was offered a place on the Cannabinoid trial. My dad is terminally ill and in his legacy, I would love to support the work the charity to provide my lived experience of having a family member suffer from a terminally illness.
I’m most looking forward to representing the work the Charity does, and sharing my lived experience to help benefit others that are going through similar journeys to me. I love that the charity champions lived experience and co-production, and to be part of that on a cause that’s really important to me excites me!”
Connor
“I didn’t have the knowledge to read the warning signs, I feel if I knew what to look for my tumour could have been dealt with much faster & effectively. I want to be a young ambassador so I can be on the front line of spreading awareness and hopefully get people diagnosed and treated before it’s too late.”
Ed
“I wanted to become a Young Ambassador in memory of my mum, who passed away at 37. Losing her when I was young made an impact on my whole life growing up. There are those that are going through or will go through similar situations due to brain tumours. So I want to help raise awareness and make a difference for a cause close to my heart.”
Emma
“Having been a brain tumour patient since the age of 12, I completely understand the devastating effects that a brain tumour diagnosis can have on life. As I have been lucky enough to recover to a new normal, I now want to help drive positive changes to others affected by brain tumours. I am so excited to be a Young Ambassador fir The Brain Tumour Charity and am looking forward to connecting with others who have relatable experiences and raising awareness to hopefully lead to a brighter future for people affected by brain tumours.”
Emma
“I applied to become a Young Ambassador because I want to have a positive impact The Brain Tumour Charity and those in need of support. Awareness and research for brain tumours are urgently needed, so I am grateful for the opportunity of helping the mission of the charity.”
Esme
“I wanted to become a Young Ambassador because I know that having someone to talk to who has experience when you’re struggling with a tumour diagnosis is one of the most reassuring ways to deal with it. I’m really looking forward to meeting other people like me as I think this would also be a very healing experience for me.”
Evanne
“I wanted to become a Young Ambassador because brain tumour awareness is still too low and I want to do my part to increase it.”
Francesca
“I want to become a Young Ambassador because in 2022 my boyfriend was diagnosed with a brain tumour and I found it really lonely being in the position of a girlfriend/carer. I would like to help raise awareness for the effects which brain tumours can have on not only the person themselves but the friends and family around them.”
Hannah
“In 2021, my younger brother was diagnosed with DLGNT, a rare form of paediatric cancer. Since his diagnosis, I’ve been looking for a way to make a meaningful impact and the Young Ambassador position was the perfect opportunity! I’m looking forward to working within such a inspiring community, raising awareness and learning how better to support others like my brother and myself.”
Harri
“I wanted to become a Young Ambassador for a number of reasons. When I was 6, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and so I am very familiar with what it means to go through major surgery and a long rehabilitation. I received lots of help from lots of people and organisation and I think my story would be useful to others. I hope that my experience of life with a brain injury through school, coping with exams and moving into work again might be useful to others facing similar challenges, and I’d like to pass that on.”
Harry
“Having been diagnosed on January 2022 and still fighting brain cancer, I want nothing more than to support others and help in any way I can as spreading positivity and care means so much to me. To meet new people around that same age with different stories will be so good also! I am really looking forward to meeting new people to share stories and provide support. Also to work with others on raising awareness is really important to me. Basically meeting new people and helping people!”
Lucy
“As a young person with a brain tumour, I want to spread awareness about this issue and advocate for better medical and mental health awareness for people with brain tumours, and people who know someone with a brain tumour. Having struggled to find resources myself, The Brain Tumour Charity has played an important role in my journey, and I hope to be a part of the incredible effort towards change.”
Mel
“Following my own diagnosis, I took on the challenge to help the charities and people who’ve helped me recover and find my new normal! So now being a YA, I want to make as much of a positive change as I can, helping people who may be recently diagnosed, or connecting with people who have already been affected by a brain tumour diagnosis to help make a difference.”
Molly
“I wanted to become a young ambassador because I am very fortunate to live well with a brain tumour and use that privilege to do my part in raising awareness and making a change for others with brain tumours.
I’m most looking forward to connecting with like-minded people. This is a very isolating position and since my diagnosis, I’ve felt quite ostracised from society, but the brain tumour charity has already given me so many new friendships.”
Neve
“I wanted to become a Young Ambassador after experiencing the passing of my father in 2017 from Glioblastoma Multiforme. Now, having had time to process and reflect, I feel ready to channel my energy into making a meaningful impact to.
What I am most eager about in joining the programme is collaborating with like-minded individuals. I look forward to building connections and working together to raise awareness about brain tumours, a cause that holds significant importance to me.”
Nico
“I really wanted to be a part of a charity that I had previously raised money for back in 2017. The chance to become a young ambassador was opportunity for me to share my personal experiences and continue to support the amazing work the charity does. I wanted to use the tough experience of losing my old man to a Brain Tumour as a positive driver.”
Owen
“I wanted to become a young ambassador to make friends that have similar experiences as me. Also to help my community in learning to live with and accept a brain tumour diagnosis whether it be for them or a loved one.
I’m just genuinely excited to meet everyone within the charity and help out in any way in can.”
Rachel
“I want to be a young ambassador to try and give back to charity that has given so much to me and hopefully to help and support other young people in similar situations.
I hope by being an ambassador that I can help and inspire others. I have had a long journey on this brain tumour road and if I can support someone along their journey then that’s a good thing. “
Rebecca
“From my own experiences receiving a brain tumour diagnosis at the age of 10, losing half of my vision, and dealing with subsequent severe mental health, I truly understand how isolating and traumatic this illness can be. I am so excited to become an ambassador for this amazing cause, and I am really looking forward to getting involved with different events and projects, and being able to engage with and encourage other young people going through similar experiences.”
What do you get up to:
- Be the voice of young adults and share their stories to raise awareness.
- Champion our major campaigns – Better Safe Than Tumour and BRIAN.
- Support events and fundraise to raise funds to move towards a cure faster
As well as supporting other teenagers and young adults affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, their ideas and input have been vital in shaping our Young Adult Service, and in developing our resources.
Our Young Ambassadors not only play an important role in our work, but they also gain the opportunity to learn and develop new skills, (such as public speaking or social media promotion). They are also able to meet and socialise with others their own age, who have been through similar experiences.
The Twilight walk is our biggest and most inspiring event of the year, where people from all across the brain tumour community come together to stride forward towards curing brain tumours. Our Young adult events are also a fantastic way to meet new people who understand what you’re going through.
The Young Ambassadors have opportunities to speak and share their experiences at an All Party Parliamentary Group about brain tumours, or to visit parliament, (for example, for one of our MP drop-in sessions).
Celebrating together at events such as the Young Adults Masquerade Ball, has proven to be a great way for young adults to make connections with others who have been through similar experiences.
Young Ambassador workshops provide an opportunity for the Young Ambassadors to gain a better insight into The Charity itself, to contribute ideas, and to learn new skills.
“Making new connections with people who have been through similar experiences has been a real highlight of becoming a Young Ambassador. I have definitely made some friends for life”- Madi, current Young Ambassador
“These amazing individuals are now my friends for life” Alice, current Young Ambassador
The Young Ambassadors help to raise awareness of The Charity, and of brain tumours, through the media. This includes making content for our social media, writing blogs, being interviewed, and creating podcasts and videos.
Young Ambassadors have been instrumental in driving our TikTok channel and creating fantastic content.
By sharing their stories, the Young Ambassadors not only spread awareness, but are also able to make connections within a community of people who have been through similar experiences.
The Young Ambassadors can support The Charity by attending fundraisers, or by organising their own.
The Young Ambassador Programme provides the chance for training in new skills, such as public speaking or content creation for social media.
Young Ambassadors through the years
“My time as a Young Ambassador has been the best decision I have ever made. I’ve met friends for life, my confidence has grown beyond words, and I am truly grateful for the incredible opportunities that I have been part of. I’ve found myself, and no longer have to hide my disability from anyone, or feel ashamed to have a disability. I am me, and it’s about time that I embrace everything that life throws at me. ” Lauren, Young Ambassador champion
FAQs
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Of course! We also welcome young adults who have been affected by a close family member’s diagnosis to share their experiences as a Young Ambassador.
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As a Young Ambassador, your job is to advocate on behalf of The Charity and create change around the issues that are important to you. This could be getting involved with our campaigning and policy work, raising awareness on social media, or meeting others at events. You’ll be asked to volunteer at Young Adult Events and Family Days, which are fun days out for other members of our community.
Some of the other ways you can support our work is by helping us develop resources for our community, giving your feedback on important issues, and supporting the staff team in their work – like going along to a bid for charity of the year at a local business.
You’ll have the chance to take on your own fundraising challenges if you want to, as well as supporting other local fundraisers with their events and attend cheque collections on behalf of The Charity. You can also share your story and help promote the work of The Charity.
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Yes! You’ll receive a charity induction so you’re in the know about all things The Brain Tumour Charity, and meet some of the staff you’ll be working closely with. We will also deliver relevant training sessions to help you develop new skills over the next two years, supporting you to feel confident in different situations. Some of the training we’ve held previously includes; public speaking, handling difficult conversations and digital skills.
We also offer other useful training through skills workshops.
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There is a minimum requirement of some charity events throughout the two years, including the training sessions, but everything else is up to you to manage.
We hold monthly meetings for an hour we’d really encourage you to attend as much as possible. These are a great chance to check in with your fellow young ambassadors and hear about upcoming opportunities. This is roughly 3 hours per month.
There are lots of things you can do to help The Charity that won’t take much time at all – like completing surveys, or recording a thank you video to a corporate partner or fundraiser.
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You’ll be invited to two training sessions a year which it’s important you attend – these are the best chance to meet with the other Young Ambassadors socially, as well as receiving training and updates from The Charity. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend other charity lead events which your fellow Young Ambassadors may also attend. Eg. Twilight Walk
There are monthly virtual meet ups to discuss how you are getting on, receive updates from the organisation and know the upcoming opportunities. These are followed up with a monthly email.
Finally we have our Volunteering system Volunteero, which is an app to share opportunities with you quickly and easily as soon as they become available. You’ll also share a group chat here to keep in touch with each other.
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Absolutely. We don’t want there to be anything stopping you from attending an event or training session, and want you to get the most out of it. If you need someone there to support you it’s fine for them to join you. We will have a chat about what this looks like and if there is anything we can do to help you either independently or with another person.
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We want the role to be accessible to all and are able to support with travel arrangements if you do suffer from travel anxiety. This would involve us supporting booking your travel, showing you how to arrange travel assistance if needed and ensuring you are comfortable with your route beforehand. We will also try to link you with other Young Ambassadors who travel in a similar direction for support.
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We don’t want this to be a barrier to you volunteering and do not expect you to pay for expenses occurred when supporting the charity. We cover travel expenses, hotel expense if needed and a food budget for the day. Read more at our expenses policy.
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Being a Young Ambassador is a two year role, and at the end of this two years you’ll be offered the chance to be a Young Ambassador Champion to the next group of Ambassadors. The Champion role lasts for one year. After this, or if you chose not to become a Champion, you can still be involved in our work through various volunteering and campaigning opportunities through our Involvement network. Alternatively you can volunteer within your community with our Community Fundraisers support.
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You can apply by completing the online application form through volunteero. You’ll also need to record a short video telling us a little bit about yourself and why you’d like to be a Young Ambassador.
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The largest video size that can be uploaded through volunteero is 5MB. If your video is bigger than this please use Wetransfer and email involvement@thebraintumourcharity.org.
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If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Involvement team.
Involvement team – involvement@thebraintumourcharity.org
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“This has been such a lifechanging journey for me. Personally, I never got the chance to grieve, being so young when my Grandad passed. I was able to finally let out my emotions, and share a room with people who knew exactly how I felt. These amazing individuals are now my friends for life” Alice, current Young Ambassador