The Why Teens Podcast was a finalist in the Youth Project of the Year category at the Awards, with podcast hosts Nikai, Aoife and Dan attending the ceremony at the Eastside Rooms accompanied by YMCA Sutton Coldfield staff.
The Inspirational Youth Awards showcase the positive impact Birmingham’s youth are making on their community while inspiring future generations to play a positive role in raising aspirations.
Charlotte Hall, youth service manager said; “YMCA Sutton Coldfield as a whole is so proud of our young people from the ‘Why Teens’ podcast for being finalists at the Inspirational Youth Awards 2024.
“From taking part in a video project for Carers Awareness week to producing a podcast by young people for young people, they have come so far. All three are involved with the show from start to finish and have produced such amazing thought-provoking, relevant and fun episodes for all. We can’t wait to see how the teens develop the show over time.”
The Why Teens podcast began after young people attending Young Carers Youth Clubs at YMCA Sutton Coldfield took part in a video project for Carers Awareness week. The young people expressed how much they’d like the opportunity to produce a podcast, by young people for young people.
YMCA Sutton Coldfield successfully secured funding from The Active Wellbeing Society and Why Teens Podcast was launched in January 2023, with the aim of giving young people, in particular young carers, a safe space and a voice where they could talk about issues that affect them directly.
The podcast hosts received training from Monkey Pants Productions and now lead on all aspects of the podcast with support from staff.
The podcast has had over 500 downloads and been listened to in 11 countries.
