Since Mission 44’s inception, having young people at the centre of our work has always been the plan. Alongside our Founder and CEO, we knew as a youth focused foundation, to create meaningful change we needed to share power and collaborate with young people.

In 2023, with our delivery partner HUDL, a group of talented and passionate individuals from across the UK were recruited as our very first Youth Advisors. Now in 2026, as their three year term comes to a close, we want to celebrate what you have achieved and thank you for the incredible contribution you have made.

Your influence can be seen across our work and in the organisation’s culture. From helping to shape funding priorities through the Impact Committee and co-designing our Youth Empowerment Programme, to contributing to campaigns, recruitment processes and key organisational decisions, you have played a vital role in Mission 44’s journey.

More than that, you have helped shape how we work, encouraging us to listen more deeply, challenge our assumptions, share power more intentionally and create meaningful opportunities for young people to influence decisions.

Through our Nothing Happens In Isolation campaign, you brought lived experience and authenticity to conversations about education reform, reminding us why young people must be at the centre of decisions that affect them.

Whether it was speaking at 10 Downing Street, taking to the stage at key events, meeting with our partners or bringing your ideas and experiences to decision-making tables, every contribution mattered and helped make Mission 44 better.

It has been a privilege to work alongside you over the last three years. Watching you grow in confidence and step into your power as leaders and changemakers has been one of the greatest joys of leading this work.

As the Youth Advisors’ influence has grown across Mission 44, so too has our understanding of what it means to truly share power with young people. We could not be prouder of all that you have achieved, or more inspired by the people you have become, both individually and collectively.

Thank you for bringing your whole selves to this journey – your ideas, your experiences, your energy and your challenge. You were the first to take this leap with us, helping to shape an organisation that truly values young people’s voices. The example you have set will continue to inspire the young people who follow in your footsteps.

Finally a massive thank you to the team at HUDL Youth Development Agency. As trusted partners and critical friends, you have helped us build a more participatory and youth-centred culture across Mission 44, creating the conditions for young people to lead and thrive. We are deeply grateful for your expertise, challenge and commitment, and for everything you have contributed to this journey.

– Deshni Pyndiah, Head of Youth Impact at Mission 44