SAMH Young People’s Panel
We have now recruited our first ever Young People's Panel!
The SAMH Young People's Panel is made up of a dedicated group of young people aged 12-25 who are united by their passion to transform youth mental health in Scotland.
Over the next two years, the Young People's Panel members will be working together to drive meaningful action and change through campaigns, services and raising awareness of the issues which matter to young people.
YPP leaflet
Members
Alex
Young People's Panel - Member
Hi! My name is Alex and I am in S5. I chose to join the SAMH Young People’s Panel to help raise awareness on mental health in Scotland, and help to remove the sigma that surrounds it. There are so many aspects of mental health, and I would love to play a part in improving services and facilities across Scotland for those who need it. Additionally, I am keen to learn more about mental health and the ways in which it can impact people, as well as help to further educate people around Scotland on mental health and wellbeing. One of my favourite things is making music - I play the violin and the drums! I am also an avid football fan and love watching and going to games. Read more
Cameron
Young People's Panel - Member
Hi, I’m Cameron! I am a 21-year-old Psychology undergraduate. I have experienced mental health issues and have worked in social & health care for almost 4 years. I’ve been working with SAMH since October 2023; when I heard they were creating a youth panel, I was immediately interested. I’ve worked with several organisations in the private and public sectors, and SAMH is by far the more inclusive, driven and impactful. I look forward to a rewarding time working with a diverse team of young people from every corner of Scotland. I see a need for better access to mental health care. By investing in mental health interventions in school, most young people across Scotland can benefit from help in their day-to-day lives. Read more
Chloe
Young People's Panel - Member
Hello! I'm Chloe, a secondary school student currently working towards achieving the Duke of Edinburgh Award at the Bronze level. I'm an active member of the Aberdeen Amateur Athletics Club as a sprinter and the Afristyle Dance Club, where I not only dance but also volunteer to mentor younger dancers. My aspiration is to become a lawyer. I'm interested in mental health wellbeing of young people and believe in the power of support and community in nurturing healthy minds. In my free time, I love dancing, singing, and watching TV shows and movies—they bring me joy and a sense of creativity. I am eager to continue growing both personally and academically, always aiming to inspire and uplift those around me. Read more
Craig
Young People's Panel - Member
Hello! I’m Craig, a college student studying Applied Science. Alongside my studies, I work as a Licensed Athletics Assistant Coach, where I help athletes achieve their best. I'm also an active member of the Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club. One of my proudest achievements is receiving the Duke of Edinburgh Award at the Bronze level. This experience has taught me the importance of perseverance and community involvement. I'm passionate about maintaining positive mental wellbeing and advocate for mental health awareness. In my free time, I enjoy sprinting and watching movies, both of which help me stay active and unwind. Read more
Daphne
Young People's Panel - Member
I have a BSc and MSc in Psychology, both of which focused on mental health, and I’ve always been interested in destigmatising mental health, particularly with regards to disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). I’ve worked with young people as a mentor, both in secondary school and at university, which deepened my commitment to improving mental health support for young people. My passion for mental health grew from seeing how it affected those close to me and recognising how limited the resources were to support them at the time. I’m dedicated to contributing to better mental health care and breaking down barriers to access. Outside of this role, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend’s dog, as well as with my family and friends, often going out for coffee. Read more
Eilidh
Young People's Panel - Member
I am currently studying Neuroscience at the University of Edinburgh. I am very passionate about improving mental health support for young people and understanding the science behind mental health. My passion for mental health stems from seeing how it affects people close to me and wanting to make a difference. Through the SAMH Young People’s Panel, I hope to give young people a bigger voice which brings about positive change in a way that mental health is perceived and addressed. Outside of this role, I enjoy travelling, swimming and spending time with my dogs. Read more
Eva
Young People's Panel - Member
Hello! I am 17 and I’m from Glasgow. I am in my final year of secondary school and am hoping to study Social and Public Policy and English Literature at university. I am an award-winning activist and volunteer with mental health being a topic that is very important to me. I also campaign about anti-bullying and youth advocacy. Read more
Fatemah
Young People's Panel - Member
I am passionate about breaking down mental health stigma, and I hope to contribute to creating a world where young people feel supported and understood in their mental health journeys. Over the past three years, I have been involved in influential work to drive this change, and I am committed to continuing these efforts to build a future where all young people feel supported, included, and free from stigma. During my time on the panel, I aim to advocate for meaningful change and improve access to mental health services. Read more
Hadrien
Young People's Panel - Member
My names Hadrien and I’m a 20 year old college student, who’s been volunteering in area’s regarding mental health now for 2 years. Growing up autistic and struggling with my own mental health, I’ve grown a passion for helping others who are experiencing similar to be able to understand and get the support they need and deserve. I've done volunteer work in regards to religion, men’s mental health, LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, care and more. It’s my dream to be able to go forward and work with young people in the mental health sector, and help them feel understood and supported. Read more
Holly
Young People's Panel - Member
Hi! My name is Holly and I’m currently in my 3rd year of uni. I chose to join the panel because raising awareness about mental health and reducing mental health stigma are very important to me. I’m looking forward to being a part of the panel and contributing to making positive changes, whilst getting to work with like-minded individuals. In my free time I enjoy swimming, running and spending time with my friends and family! Read more
Jenson
Young People's Panel - Member
I have spent time in volunteer support work with children with additional support needs. I have also supported unaccompanied child asylum seekers as they integrate into the community. These experiences have given me insight into the state of mental health support, and a desire to enact change. I have, through membership of the Scottish Youth Parliament, developed the confidence to put forward ideas. I hope to use these skills and experiences to provide valuable contribution to the panel. Read more
Keaton
Young People's Panel - Member
I'm from Fife and have a keen interest in Politics, history and film. My strengths are drawn from my neurodiversity as I may not follow the usual paths, and can see possibilities that others miss. I was Vice Captain in last year of primary school and championed many causes throughout school with openness, enthusiasm and lots of humour. I have a passion for social justice and how this impacts on mental wellbeing. I have a sunny disposition and can connect with both young and old, and have a natural instinct for knowing when someone needs help and support. Having faced many challenges during school, where the education system isn’t set up to support pupils like me, I have developed the ability to advocate for myself, and want to use this skill to advocate for others. From this favourite film, The Shawshank Redemption “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” Read more
Lizzy
Young People's Panel - Member
Lucy
Young People's Panel - Member
I enjoy raising awareness online about chronic illness and hidden disabilities, and I love staying active through Pilates and wheelchair tennis. Right now, I'm studying social sciences, but I'm eager to further my education in politics to create a positive impact. I'm so excited to share my ideas on the panel, learn from others, and make a difference in young people's mental health in Scotland! Read more
Mhari-Ann
Young People's Panel - Member
Mhari-Ann currently studies at Strathclyde University for social work. Throughout the past year, Mhari-Ann was a mentee through the Young Women in Sports Leadership Programme within SAMH and has taken on a peer mentee role this year. Mhari-Ann is a part of the Young People’s Panel to create a positive change within mental health services through activism and encouragement! Read more
Mia
Young People's Panel - Member
Hi! I’m Mia, a university student and member of the SAMH Young People’s Panel. I’m passionate about philosophy, politics, and pursuing a future in clinical psychology. Through the panel, I hope we’re able to inform mental health policy and advocate for more accessible, client-centred services. Read more
Nymeria
Young People's Panel - Member
As a university student studying childhood psychology, I'm passionate about inclusivity, accessibility, mental health, and education. Being the third oldest from a large family of ten children, I've developed strong interpersonal skills. I have developed my listening and advocating abilities because of my many unique experiences, such as being part of a large family, living on a rural Island and being a carer. All of these have made me more understanding of those with more unique lives and experiences. My volunteer experiences have further honed my abilities while fueling my commitment to creating positive change. I'm excited to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to this team, working towards a more equitable and supportive environment for all. Read more
Poppy
Young People's Panel - Member
Hi, my name is Poppy. I am 17 from Kirkcaldy, I love the outdoors and volunteering. Mental health affects our relationships, physical health amongst so many other aspects of our lives. That is why I am super excited to be volunteering within the SAMH Young People’s Panel to help improve mental health in Scotland. Read more
William
Young People's Panel - Member
I’m an S5 student in Edinburgh, and joined the SAMH Young People’s Panel because I care about mental health services in Scotland and I hope that with this work on the panel I can contribute to improving them. I believe in the importance of improving the support available to young people, from earlier intervention in schools to coping with the post-COVID demands for services. In my spare time, I enjoy playing the drums and mountain biking in the Pentlands. Read more
Are you aged 12-25 and interested in getting involved? Apply to the SAMH Youth Activists!
