Introducing Niamh Graham as Deputy CEO

I'm incredibly honoured and grateful to step into this new role as Deputy CEO of Young K&C.

It's been a journey, to say the least. I'm 23 years old and began working with Young K&C at 21, volunteering with the team straight out of university.

At first, my work with Young K&C was to lend a hand in building Our City (I see it as pride and joy!) before I applied for the role of Marketing and Communications Manager. It seems like so long ago now but having had the opportunity to grow within a safe environment and learn on the job has been one of my greatest privileges.

I spent a lot of time in university learning about how people shook the system to enact change and there was one very clear theme that emerged - nothing is possible without community. Kensington and Chelsea is proof of that.

Over the past 2 years, I've had the pleasure of working with over 100 community groups and partners in the borough. Each of them brings their own incredible wealth of knowledge and experience to the work they do. From youth clubs led by people who used to attend them to community sessions built from the needs of young people, the community of Kensington and Chelsea provides for its own, making space for those who need it and championing the unheard voices.

In this new role, I look forward to working even closer with those who give so much of themselves to providing better futures for children and young people. I see this as an opportunity to advocate with and empower the young people who create the energy, spirit and vibe of this beautiful community.

Young K&C has created opportunities that expand the voluntary groups that mean the world to so many. We've done this by distributing over £900,000 of small grants directly to the hands of community groups. We've had the pleasure of training over 300 people working with children and young people. We've had the challenging conversations to make sure young people's needs are central in the conversations that impact their future.

I watch all the amazing work that takes place and leave feeling so inspired. I can't begin to explain the amazing life transformations I've seen as a result of the voluntary sector.

The task ahead is big. So I know, now more than ever is time to lean on those around us to enact change and bring power to the voluntary sector. Through this we can inspire, empower and champion children and young people across Kensington and Chelsea to realise their full potential; creating a borough where every child and young person can live a happy and healthy life.

So, let's get started.

Niamh