My role as a Youth Justice Service Peer Advocate - by Safiyyah - Camden Rise

Hey, my name is Safiyyah and I work as a Peer Advocate in the Youth Justice Service (YJS). I help support children and young people who have been affected by the criminal justice system or who may be going through a rough time. 
 
I don't ever judge anyone. I am here for them as someone they can talk to and as someone that listens. Being listened to can make a difference sometimes. 
 
What made me apply for this role?
I applied for this role because of a friend I lost, called Claudyo Jauad Lafayette. Losing him to knife crime changed everything for me. I saw how quickly things can change.
Ever since, this tragedy - as well as having a youth worker who I aspired to be like - has motivated me into pursuing my dream of working with children and young people. I try to help in any way I can because every little helps. Playing even a small part in someone's journey towards change means achieving the steps towards my dream.

What I do as a peer advocate
I listen to my peers without judgment, give them advice, and mentor them from a genuine perspective. I am someone who shows up, someone who listens and someone who genuinely cares. Most of my work is office-based, and these are the main things I do:

• One-to-one mentoring, which is about having real conversations, offering advice, and helping children and young people to access support
• Helping to run focus groups and feedback sessions - hearing directly from children and young people so we can help improve services and make sure their voices are heard
• Reviewing Youth Justice Service (YJS) interventions by helping to make sure they are working for children and young people
• Creating posters and leaflets to promote positive activities that YJS offers, so children and young people know what is out there for them
• Being part of interview panels, helping to choose the right staff for YJS services by representing the views and needs of the children aged 10 to 17 they’ll be working with
• Helping to develop surveys to better understand what children and young people in Camden need, and how we can do better
• Helping to organise safety events for young women and girls in Camden, including being part of organising a youth assembly about violence against woman and girls. I also help organise and run a women’s self-defence class. It's a great way to empower young women to speak about the issues we face.

What skills have I gained?
Since starting this role, I’ve had so many opportunities to grow. I have worked on my social anxiety by gradually building the confidence to speak up in meetings and in other settings - something I never would have done when I first started. Other opportunities and skills that this role has enabled me to have are:

• Gaining a Level 1 Youth Work qualification, which is a big step towards my dream
• Completing an AQA mentoring training, which has made me a qualified peer mentor
• Attending youth events, where I have learned from others and had the chance to network
• Shadowing professionals in court, which helped me understand how the justice system affects young people
• Relational Practice training, which was really helpful. It taught me how to build better relationships with young people by just being real, listening properly, and not rushing to give advice. It's about working with them, not just talking to them. Since completing the training, I feel more confident having honest conversations and supporting my peers in a way that feels both natural and respectful.

All of this has helped me develop my confidence, communication, and ability to help and support others.
 
What does Camden mean to me?
Camden means home to me. It is where I grew up, made memories, and learned who I am. The busy streets, the music, the mix of people, all of it has shaped me. I carry the memory of my friend Claudyo. I do this work because losing him has motivated me to pursue my dreams and for every young person who needs someone. 
I have always believed in second chances, and I believe change is possible. If I can be part of that, even in a small way, then I am doing something right. 
This job has made me realise that you don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers to help someone, sometimes you just need to care.
Remember, if you have lost someone or seen someone struggle around you, don’t think your story has to end there. A quote that I relate to is: "You can turn your pain into purpose." That’s what I am doing, and I hope others do too.

By Safiyyah, aged 19, who is a Camden Youth Justice Service Peer Advocate