Applications for the British Blind Sport Youth Advisory Panel are now open!
BBS are looking for up to 12 young people aged 16 – 25 with a visual impairment (VI) to form this exciting new sports panel.
The Youth Advisory Panel (or YAP) will act as a voice for young people with a VI to become more involved in sport in the UK. The panel members will support BBS with policy and project development and advise on issues relating to young people with a VI in sport and physical activity.
As this project develops, BBS are hoping that the YAP will also be able to advise and influence a range of sports organisations on how they can best support VI volunteers and participants, contributing to the inclusivity and accessibility of the sport sector nationwide.
This will be a fantastic opportunity for young people with a VI to truly be heard and have a positive and long lasting impact on the wider sporting community.
The opportunity will also provide the panel members with a great insight into the sport and sight loss sectors, helping them to build relationships with key players and organisations as well as giving them invaluable industry experience.
The YAP will be expected to meet up to 6 times a year (in person, if it is possible with the current pandemic) alongside virtual catch up meetings and a few hours dedicated each month, as needed, for project work. The frequency of the virtual catch up meetings will be decided by the panel at their first meeting.
Applications for the YAP will close on October 16th and applicants will then be shortlisted and invited to a selection day on Saturday 7th November. The selection day will consist of team building work and some set tasks which will be similar to what is expected of panel members should be they become part of the YAP. This day is likely to be held virtually, depending on the current climate.
The first YAP meeting will take place on Tuesday 24th November, virtually.
Kian Saville, See My Voice Support Assistant, said, “We’re really excited to be getting the Youth Advisory Panel off the ground! It seems like a natural off-shoot from our See My Voice programme, which helps to upskill young people with a VI with leadership skills and experience within the sporting sector. Taking the insights that young people have gained through their involvement in volunteering or being involved in the sport sector will help us understand the areas that still need to become more inclusive and what we can do to kick start real change.”
All information on the application process, including the Application Pack and Application Form, can be found on the webpage (these documents are also attached). Please click here to visit the BBS Youth Advisory Panel webpage.
For questions about the Youth Advisory Panel or the application process, please contact Tommy@britishblindsport.org.uk or Kian@britishblindsport.org.uk.