Growing up is your experience. It doesn't happen alone.
Your youthhood is shaped by the people, places, opportunities and systems around you. Explore what you should be able to expect, what might be getting in the way, and ways to make your voice heard.
You don't need to know anything about NAYD to begin. You can explore at your own pace.
It's never just one thing.
What growing up feels like can be influenced by where you live, who you trust, the support available and whether you're welcomed into opportunities.
Who makes you feel you belong?
Friends, family, trusted adults and communities can help us feel seen and supported. Relationships can also change, and everyone deserves respect and a sense of belonging.
These are examples, not a checklist of what your life should look like. You don't have to answer the questions.
You deserve more than being told to get on with it.
Explore ten things young people should be able to expect from the people, services and decisions around them.
Safety
You should be supported to feel safe, and adults and organisations should take concerns seriously.
Your reflections. Your choice.
Explore four parts of your youthhood at your own pace. Write in whichever areas feel useful, then copy a complete, organised set of notes to keep for yourself or share if you choose.
Where do you feel welcome, comfortable or able to be yourself? What helps you feel connected?
What would you like to access or try? What makes taking part easier or more difficult?
What would you like adults, professionals or decision-makers to better understand about young people's experiences?
When life changes, what support helps? What could make transitions or uncertain times easier?
All four areas, together.
The notes below update as you write. Unanswered areas are labelled “Not added” so nothing is invented or attributed to you.
No answers are required. Your notes are yours.
This is a reflection and expression tool, not an assessment, professional advice service or a place to report urgent concerns.
There isn't just one way to move forward.
Your Youthhood also has guides about the systems around you, turning points, barriers, using your voice and expressing what you want adults to understand.
You can use them alone, with someone you trust or in a supported youth group. You never have to tell your story to prove that support matters.
Development happens together.
NAYD is part of YOUTHOOD's work to help young people and the people around them understand and strengthen youth development.