Deputy Youth Mayor lands wellbeing ambassador role

The Deputy Youth Mayor of Neath Port Talbot has been selected to become a mental health ambassador for young people across the county borough.

Erin Sandison, aged 17 from Neath, was chosen for the role by Inspirational Futures, an organisation set up by teachers to offer support on wellbeing and mindfulness to pupils, parents and other teaching staff.

The coveted ambassador role will comprise of Erin working alongside Inspirational Futures to help promote workshops and activities for young people to help with their wellbeing and better prepare them for the wider world. Erin will be tasked with publicising educational materials, sharing questionnaires and consulting with young people including Neath Port Talbot’s Youth Council to introduce positive mental health habits from an early age.

Councillor Peter Rees, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture, said:

“I’d like to congratulate Erin on being chosen to be an ambassador for Inspirational Futures.

“In the current circumstances, it’s more important than ever to ensure children and young people are made aware about the issues around mental health and how they are able to make positive changes to their lifestyles.”

Erin was formally inaugurated as the first ever Deputy Youth Mayor at a ceremony in Port Talbot Civic Centre last September. Currently a student at Neath Port Talbot College studying psychology, sociology, and history, Erin is hoping to go on to study criminology at university next year. Erin is also an active member of Neath Port Talbot’s Youth Council.

Erin said:

“I am thrilled at being chosen for this role, and along with Inspirational Futures, I will do my very best for the children and young people in Neath Port Talbot.

“I am passionate about supporting children and young people with their mental health from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood. Helping young people to reach their full potential is my passion and with NPT Youth Council supporting me I think this is a positive step forward.”

A spokesperson from Inspirational Futures, said:

‘We are excited to welcome Erin as our Ambassador. We look forward to working with her as we continue to support children and young people across Wales to focus on their well-being’.

For more information on the work of Inspirational Futures, follow them on Facebook @inspirationalfutures and Twitter @IFWales .