How Camden Helped Me Find My Voice

Youth voice is something we hear about a lot, but many young people still feel like decisions are made about them rather than with them. That can make it hard to feel connected or included. For me, having a voice means being able to share my experiences honestly and knowing that what I say can actually make a difference. In a borough like Camden, where there are so many different backgrounds and stories, young people bring perspectives that really matter.

Before getting involved in youth spaces, I often felt unsure about speaking up. Walking into rooms full of adults, professionals, and people who seem confident can be intimidating. Sometimes it feels easier to stay quiet, or to think that what you have to say isn’t important enough. For a long time, that’s how I felt.

Things started to change when I became involved with YCF. What stood out straight away was how seriously young people were taken. I wasn’t there just to listen, I was there to contribute. Being in spaces where people genuinely wanted to hear what I thought helped me realise that my experiences weren’t something to downplay. They were something to be proud of.

As my confidence grew, I noticed myself speaking up more, not just when I was asked, but when I felt something needed to be said. I learned how to explain my ideas clearly, listen to others properly, and share my views without feeling nervous or out of place. That confidence didn’t stay in those spaces, it started to show up in other parts of my life too.

Finding my voice has also made me think more about responsibility. Not every young person feels able to speak up, and not everyone gets the same chances to be heard. Camden helped me understand how important it is to use my voice to support others and help make space for different perspectives, especially those that are often overlooked.

Camden didn’t give me a voice; it helped me realise I already had one. YCF gave me the confidence, support, and space to use it, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.

Written by Ibrahim, YCF Young Ambassador