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Mermaids’ Youth Advisory Panel

Mermaids’ Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) is a group of trans young people who shape Mermaids’ services, campaigns and projects.

We believe that young people should be at the centre of shaping the services and support Mermaids provides to them. So, in 2022 we established YAP to ensure youth voice would be at the heart of everything we do.

Now, our current panel is nearing the end of their term and we’re recruiting for the next generation of YAP. We’re looking to recruit 12 young people aged 16-19. Successful panellists will serve for a two year term and be paid a fee of £200 for each year they are involved. 

We are looking for applicants who:

  • Have a passion for sharing their views
  • Have time to commit to hourly online meetings every month (evening) from June 2025 –April 2027
  • Are willing to co-plan and co-chair panel meetings
  • Are confident to speak with our trustee board and  staff team about new ideas to improve our service.

Does this sound like you? Click the button below and complete the application form. Applications will close at midnight on 23rd May.

Apply to join YAP

Why should I join YAP?

By joining YAP, you’ll gain experience in advocacy, develop leadership and teamwork skills, make new friends, and help create meaningful change for trans young people.

Some of the benefits of becoming a panel member are:

    • Developing skills in agenda planning, note taking, chairing and report writing;

    • Connecting with staff and trustees at Mermaids and learn more about the work we do;

    • Opportunities to shadow staff in different departments of the charity;

    • Having the chance to influence to Mermaids growing service and make a difference to the trans and non-binary community;

    • Adding the experience to your CV and gain valuable experience and skills

    • Meet like-minded young people from across the UK

Elijah’s Story

“YAP has given me the opportunity to connect with an incredible group of young trans people—each bringing their own stories, passions, and strength.

The panel is a space where I feel deeply understood, seen, and supported. It’s helped me grow not only in confidence but also in clarity about who I am and what I care about.

Beyond the personal connection, being on the panel has allowed me to develop real, meaningful skills. I’ve deepened my understanding of how policy affects our lives and how change can be shaped from within.

One of the most powerful parts of this experience has been using my voice to advocate for other trans people of colour.

It’s made me realise how important representation is, and how vital it is that our stories are heard in spaces where decisions are being made.

I’ve had the chance to contribute to projects that I truly believe will make a difference to young trans people like me.

That sense of purpose and community, of fighting for something bigger than yourself, has been genuinely life changing.” – Elijah (he/him) age 21.

If Elijah’s experience has inspired you, please apply to join YAP – we’d love to have you.

Apply to join YAP

FAQs

  • What is the purpose of YAP?

    YAP members are a panel of 12 trans youth and those with lived experience relevant to Mermaids’ objectives.

    Their role is to provide a youth perspective on Mermaids’ work and ensure that children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.

    The panel exists to:

    Engage young people in an active, consultative process that empowers them to share their views and opinions with their peers.

    Give young people voice and influence within the charity.

    Establish a sounding board for ideas relating to Mermaids work and engage in active consultation.

    Contribute to decisions relating to Mermaids’ services and resources.

    Improve communication between trans young people and Mermaids’ decision makers.

    Upskill trans youth and create opportunities for personal growth and learning, including giving trans young people a better understanding of how charities are run to support their professional development.

  • Who can apply to join YAP?

    We welcome applications from trans and non-binary young people, and those with lived experience relevant to Mermaids’ objectives, aged 16-19 who live in the UK and are passionate about making a difference.

  • Do I need any previous experience to apply to YAP?

    No previous experience is required! We offer training and ongoing support to help you develop skills in leadership, advocacy, and teamwork.

  • How do I apply to YAP?

    Please complete the Microsoft Form at the top of this page before midnight on 23rd May 2025. You may also download and complete a Microsoft Word version of this form if that is easier.

    We are keen to make sure there are no barriers to applying to YAP. So, If you need any further help or accommodations with the application process, please email youth@mermaidsuk.org.uk.

  • How much time do I need to commit to YAP?

    YAP members commit to attending monthly meetings, which are held online and contributing to projects as needed. The expected time commitment is around 3-5 hours per month.

  • Is this a paid opportunity?

    While this is a voluntary role, we pay all our YAP members a yearly stipend of £200 in recognition of their contributions to Mermaids. We also reimburse travel and other reasonable expenses when attending in-person events, to ensure everyone can attend.

  • What kind of activities will I take part in?

    YAP are regularly consulted on a wide range of policies and campaigns at Mermaids. As a YAP member you will:

    Develop skills in agenda planning, note taking, chairing and report writing;

    Connect with staff and trustees at Mermaids and learn more about the work we do

    Have the chance to shadow staff in different departments of the charity;

    Influence to Mermaids growing service and make a difference to the trans and non-binary community

    Gain experience to add to your CV and gain valuable experience and skills

    Meet like-minded young people from across the UK

  • How does Mermaids ensure YAP is accessible?

    We are committed to making YAP as accessible as possible. This includes:

    Providing closed captions for online meetings

    Offering flexible participation methods, including written, voice, or video contributions

    Ensuring digital materials are screen reader-friendly

    Offering sensory-friendly and neurodivergent-inclusive meeting formats

    Making reasonable adjustments based on individual access needs

    If you have specific accessibility requirements, we encourage you to let us know so that we can support you. Please email youth@mermaidsuk.org.uk

  • How does Mermaids ensure diversity and inclusion in YAP?

    We want YAP to be representative of the different identities that make up our community. With this in mind, we have places reserved for trans people of colour, young people with a disability or health condition, and young people living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who are often underrepresented in projects such as this.

    If you have accessibility requirements, please contact us to discuss how we can best support you during and after your application by emailing youth@mermaidsuk.org.uk