Leigh’s Story
RAISE Team Co-ordinator
As Team co-ordinator for RAISE I’m responsible for promoting MYA’s mental health agenda across Merseyside, which includes training, campaigning, and face-to-face delivery to children, young people and their families.
How it began
Working with young people and seeing them thrive has been my passion ever since I was 14 and first volunteered on a disability sports programme. After taking on a graduate position as Assistant Coordinator for the National Citizen Service, I saw just how many young people were struggling with their mental health, and how many had amazing ideas for how the support systems available could be improved. It ignited my desire to ‘do more’ and ultimately led me to my first role at MYA, Participation Coordinator for the Liverpool CAMHS Partnership.
Why MYA?
MYA’s commitment of ‘creating positive and lasting change in the lives of Merseyside’s young people’ really struck me when I was preparing for my interview, and it’s stayed with me ever since. It’s more than a strapline – it’s an ethos that really does guide how each staff member operates, and what the organisation does day to day. I love the shared passion and supportive climate, and the sheer amount of variety that MYA offers in its projects.
The best bit
The best thing about my job is the people, the RAISE Team itself. Each team member works hard to make mental health everybody’s business, and no idea is too big or silly. It’s an open conversation where people can be creative, and there are always smiles waiting to greet you from the moment you walk through the door all the way up to the 4th floor. I never expected to become a manager when I was 14, but MYA has given me everything I’ve needed to progress, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the future holds.