Voice Board

At Young Lives vs Cancer, Voice is central to everything we do. We believe children, young people, and families with lived experience of cancer are best placed to shape our work and influence change across the system. Voice ensures their insights are heard, valued, and acted on—from shaping services to informing strategy.

Our Voice Board, made up of 25 young people, parents, carers, and siblings affected by childhood and young adult cancer, plays a vital governance role. Since February 2023, they have volunteered their time, energy, and expertise to ensure that lived experience sits at the heart of every decision.

Their achievements include co-developing our North Star vision and organisational strategy, shaping more compassionate and relevant support services, strengthening collaboration across teams, and launching the Voice Hub—a dynamic virtual space for others to get involved. They’ve also led the recruitment and induction of new members, building a stronger, more diverse Board.

Despite personal challenges, they continue to show up for each other and for the wider community, creating a deeply supportive space rooted in empathy and understanding. The Voice Board has transformed how we listen, learn, and lead—and they’ve inspired other organisations to do the same.