By Ella Dickinson
Hi, I’m Ella and Reach has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
I’ve been a member of Reach since birth and grew up attending the North-West branch events with my family. Those events gave my family and I something incredibly special: a sense of belonging, community and confidence that comes from being around people who truly get it.
But then I became a teenager.
Like many teenagers, I reached a point where I decided Reach “wasn’t cool anymore”. I drifted away, stopped getting involved, and thought I no longer needed it. At the time, that felt like independence.
Looking back now, at 24, I can honestly say that my teenage years and early adulthood were when I needed Reach the most.
Finding My Way Back
As I became older and reconnected with Reach, I could reflect more clearly on that gap. Navigating confidence, identity, careers, relationships and independence with an upper limb difference doesn’t suddenly become easier at 18 – if anything, it felt more complicated than being a child.
This common reflection is a huge reason why Reach now has the 18–25 project.
This project exists to support young adults through a stage of life that is often overlooked, and it already includes:
- Mentoring
- An in-person retreat
- A podcast
- The Young Person’s Advisory Group (YPAG)
- And plenty more exciting ideas still to come
YPAG is a key part of this work, and something I’m incredibly proud to chair alongside my role as a Trustee.
What is the Young Person’s Advisory Group?
The Young Person’s Advisory Group (YPAG) is made up of Reach members aged 17–25 who want to help shape the future of the charity.
This group exists to bring lived experience directly into Reach’s decision‑making. Members are encouraged to reflect on their own journeys – what worked, what didn’t, what they loved, and what they would change – and feed that insight into the Trustee Board.
YPAG isn’t just about reflecting on the past; it’s about helping Reach evolve as it grows to support children, teenagers and adults with upper limb differences.
Why This Matters and Why It’s a Brilliant Opportunity
YPAG benefits Reach by ensuring the charity stays relevant, inclusive and genuinely shaped by the people we support. But it also offers huge benefits for the young people involved.
Being part of YPAG is excellent work experience and a strong addition to your CV. Members gain real insight into how a national charity operates, how decisions are made at board level, and how lived experience can influence strategy and change.
Through YPAG, you’ll have opportunities to:
- Build leadership and communication skills
- Develop confidence in sharing ideas and experiences
- Network with trustees, staff and peers
- Gain governance and charity‑sector experience
- Strengthen your CV with meaningful, real‑world involvement
Whether you’re exploring future careers, applying for jobs or university, or simply want experience that genuinely makes a difference, YPAG offers growth alongside purpose.
Crucially, meetings happen in person, allowing genuine conversations and connections to form – and all travel expenses are covered, so cost is never a barrier.
So… we need you!
If you’re aged 17–25 and want to help shape the future of Reach, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re looking for a diverse mix of voices and experiences – whether you’ve been involved with Reach your whole life, drifted away as a teenager like I did, or are reconnecting now with fresh perspective.
If you’ve ever thought:
- “I wish Reach had offered this when I was younger”, or
- “I’d love to influence what Reach becomes next”
…this is your chance.
The Young Person’s Advisory Group will be chaired by me, Ella Dickinson, Trustee of Reach, and will work closely with the Trustee Board to shape the direction of the charity for future generations to make sure your voice is not only heard, but truly listened to.
Get Involved
Interested or have questions?
Email ellad@reach.org.uk or message us through our social media channels @ReachCharityUK as we’d love to hear from you!