West Lothian teen pledges to ‘make a difference’ to lives of children and young people

West Lothian teenager Lena Zielinska, aged 16 and hailing from Broxburn, has taken a significant step towards making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people in the UK. Lena has recently become a member of the NSPCC’s Young People’s Board for Change (YPBC).

The YPBC is a group consisting of 15 young individuals aged between 13 to 16 years from various parts of the UK. Their primary role is to offer insights and ideas to the NSPCC to help guide the organisation on matters that are crucial to children and young people. Members of the YPBC engage in a variety of exciting projects and have the opportunity to participate in events like residentials, meetings, and workshops held across the country.

Lena expressed her delight at being a part of the YPBC, describing her experience as ‘amazing’ and emphasising the welcoming nature of everyone involved in the board. She highlighted some memorable moments, such as participating in interviews at the Esther Awards, an event that recognises the contributions of NSPCC staff and volunteers. Lena also mentioned her involvement in decision-making processes during the awards ceremony, which made her feel empowered to initiate positive changes.

One particular issue that resonates deeply with Lena is the prevalence of bullying in schools. She believes that more proactive measures need to be implemented to combat this problem effectively. Lena also pointed out the need for schools to demonstrate genuine care rather than merely fulfilling formal requirements. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of raising awareness about eating disorders, addressing gender inequalities, and tackling bullying to create a safer environment for children.

Outside of her commitments to the YPBC, Lena actively participates in debates and represents Scotland on the national debating team. Her interest in addressing social issues was further fueled by her debate coach, who encouraged her to utilise platforms like the YPBC to advocate for causes she is passionate about.

Her family’s enthusiastic support and encouragement have been instrumental in Lena’s journey with the board. Lena appreciates the friendships she has formed through her involvement and encourages other young people to explore opportunities with organisations like NSPCC to drive positive change.

In a message to her peers, Lena urges young individuals to speak up, be honest, and seize opportunities to make a difference. She has already recommended the YPBC to fellow students at her school, emphasising the plethora of opportunities available for those who are willing to engage actively.

Through her dedication and advocacy, Lena Zielinska embodies the spirit of youth empowerment and demonstrates how young voices can drive meaningful change in society. Her commitment to creating a better future for children and young people is both inspiring and commendable.