Youth Board
We are the Youth Board and we’re a group of young wheelchair users, who are proud to each represent a different area of the UK
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Who are the Youth Board?
We are the Youth Board, a group of young wheelchair users aged 16-25, proud to each represent a different area of the UK. We meet up several times a year, in person or online, our job is to make sure our voices, and young people from our areas, are at the heart of every decision Whizz Kidz makes.
What do the Youth Board do?
We are passionate about challenging perceptions and raising awareness of issues that affect young wheelchair users every day: such as our manifesto topics: Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion, Education, Employment and Travel.
To create meaningful change we believe there should be ‘’nothing about us without us’’. We consult with key businesses, industry leaders, charities, Ministers and the public to raise awareness, campaign, identify key areas of societal change and collaborate on projects.
We would love to hear from you! If you are a young wheelchair user and want to share more about your experiences and local area, you are a business wanting to collaborate and partner, or you simply want to learn more, please get in touch.
Join the Youth Board
As a Board we work together to be the role models we wanted when we were younger, and to work towards a world in which young wheelchair users have the confidence, skills and opportunities needed to be an active part of society.
Meet the Youth Board
Abigail
Abigail joined Youth Board in 2026 and is one of our Scotland representatives. She said, “Being on the Whizz Kidz Youth Board is really important to me. It's about making sure disabled young people are actually heard and have a say in the things that affect us. I know how frustrating it is when decisions are made without you, so having a space where my opinion counts matters a lot.
Outside of that, I keep busy with things that make me feel like myself, whether it's sports, being active, creating content, spending time with friends, listening to music, or reading."
Amber
Amber - Amber joined the Youth Board in April 2025 with a drive to make meaningful and impactful change for young wheelchair users. Having recently completed a Master's degree in Inclusive Education she is especially passionate about equitable access to education, a key part of the Youth Board Manifesto. Away from the board and studies, you'll find her with her head in a book, watching women's football or getting outside into nature with her two cocker spaniels.
Ava
Ava joined the Youth Board in 2026. Ava is a formidable award-winning artist & designer, who is challenging perceptions of being Deafblind disabled. Ava is a key advocate for the Deafblind disabled community, and has been recognised for her activism & advocacy by both the Shaw Trust as Disability power 100 rising star winner, and by the National Diversity awards as a runner up. Her art work is exampled on the U.K. schools curriculum, and she has produced & donated multiple art pieces to support charities & raise funds. Ava is proud to support the disabled community by partnering with educational institutions as well as having worked with multiple businesses & charities on collaborative projects.
Emily
Emily joined the Youth Board in November 2025 and represents the North East (Newcastle). Emily is a seventeen year old sixth form student currently studying a-levels in politics, maths and English language - with an aim to study politics and social policy at university next year.
As someone whose education was massively impacted by inaccessibility, I (like Whizz Kidz) am very passionate about ensuring improvements are made. In my spare time, I love going to gigs, spending time with my dog and exploring new cities!
Laura
Laura - My name is Laura. I am a Youth Board Member with Whizz Kidz, representing the Northeast of England. I enjoy baking and playing the flute and piano. I want to help the voices of young wheelchair users be heard. I enjoy being part of projects that make an impact and create a beneficial change for wheelchair users.
Philippa
Philippa joined the Whizz Kidz Youth Board in December 2025 to amplify young people’s voices and help break down barriers to opportunity. She is about to begin studying Education at university, with a particular interest in the history and psychology of education. Through the Youth Board, she aims to help shape more inclusive education and increase sporting opportunities whilst ensuring that the experiences of young wheelchair users are reflected in the decisions and policies that affect them. Alongside her role on the Youth Board, she is a Pentathlon GB Global Laser Run City Tour Ambassador, where she helps inspire participation and champion inclusion in sport.
Poppy
Poppy joined the Youth Board in September 2024 in order to use my lived experience to help improve the future for young wheelchair users. I am studying for my BSc in business and marketing. When I’m not studying, I am reading or spending time with my dog. Poppy represents the North East (York) region.
Rebecca
Rebecca joined the Youth Board in 2023 representing London and regularly participates in Whizz Kidz programs. Rebecca is in her final year of studying Biomedical Engineering at Kings College London and will go on to do a masters in Occupational Therapy. Rebecca has a passion for sport and plays wheelchair cricket for Team GB and Surrey. She is an active social media user, disability advocate and brand ambassador. In the New Years' Honours List 2025 she was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to young people with disabilities and autism. She also enjoys tennis, outdoor activities and loves pandas!
Rue
Rue - Hi I’m Rue. I am one of the London representatives for the youth board. I joined the youth board because I am passionate about making the education system and public transport more accessible for future generations of wheelchair users. Outside of the board, I am a law student, who loves the beach, and a member of my university’s improv society.
Tomos
Tomos - My name is Tomos Owen, and I am 19 years old. After studying Religious Studies, English Literature and History at A-Level, I am currently on a gap year waiting to go to university to study for a degree in Theology (Religious Studies). In my spare time I like to read books, go to the cinema to watch movies, attend my local gym to stay fit with my Dad, play on my Xbox with my friends and brother and also travel around the world with my family to places such as Amsterdam, America and Canada.
Join the Youth Board
As a Board we work together to be the role models we wanted when we were younger, and to work towards a world in which young wheelchair users have the confidence, skills and opportunities needed to be an active part of society.
Recent Publications
The Youth Board Manifesto
The Youth Board Manifesto
PDF, 2.6mb
This is what we stand for. It shows we care about the world we want and the issues that mean the most to us. It expresses what we believe and the changes we want to see.
Youth Board NHS Full Report
Youth Board Impact Report 2025-2026
Beyond Fare: Snapshot
The A-Z of Going to University
The A-Z of Going to University
PDF, 11.9mb
Written for young wheelchair users by young wheelchair users