Spark Youth Advisor
Help shape the campaigns, resources and projects of one of the UK’s leading youth-led mental health charities.
Age: 18–25
Location: Remote, anywhere in the UK
Places available: 10–12
Term: 24 months, beginning in October 2026
Commitment: Approximately 2–4 hours per month
Application deadline: 12 noon on Friday 9 October 2026
About Spark UK
Spark UK is one of the UK’s leading youth-led mental health charities. We create free and accessible mental health resources, campaigns and projects for schools, communities and young people across the UK.
Everything we do is driven by one simple mission: to spark conversations around mental health.
We believe young people should not just be listened to, they should help shape the conversations, projects and decisions that affect them.
About the role
The Spark Youth Advisor Group will bring together 10–12 passionate young people from different backgrounds and communities across the UK.
As a Spark Youth Advisor, you will work alongside our team to influence national campaigns, develop and test new resources, provide feedback on emerging ideas and highlight the issues that matter to young people.
The group has an advisory role. Members will help inform Spark UK’s work but will not hold formal governance or trustee responsibilities.
No previous experience is required. We are looking for potential, passion and ideas—not perfection.
What you’ll do
As a Spark Youth Advisor, you will:
Share your ideas and perspectives to help shape Spark UK’s work.
Provide feedback on campaigns, educational resources and new initiatives.
Help identify and explore the issues affecting young people.
Attend monthly online meetings and contribute to discussions.
Participate in workshops, consultations and creative brainstorming sessions.
Support the development and testing of new projects and resources.
Help ensure Spark UK’s work remains inclusive, relevant and accessible.
Represent the views of young people from your community.
Work collaboratively with other Youth Advisors from across the UK.
Promote relevant Spark UK campaigns and opportunities where appropriate.
There may also be optional opportunities to attend events, speak at conferences or represent Spark UK externally. These opportunities will require separate approval and preparation from Spark UK, and members will be fully supported.
Who we’re looking for
This opportunity is open to anyone who:
Is aged 18–25.
Lives in the UK.
Cares about improving young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Is interested in sharing their ideas and perspectives.
Is curious, respectful and open to learning.
Values different backgrounds, identities and experiences.
Can work collaboratively with other young people.
Can make a reliable and positive contribution.
Can attend at least 75% of monthly meetings.
You do not need previous experience in mental health, volunteering, leadership, campaigning or charity work.
You do not need to have personal experience of mental health difficulties. You will never be expected to disclose personal experiences or discuss anything you are uncomfortable sharing.
What you’ll gain
As a Spark Youth Advisor, you will have the opportunity to:
Influence the work of a national youth mental health charity.
Develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills.
Gain experience in co-production, campaigning and youth participation.
Build confidence in sharing ideas and contributing to strategic projects.
Meet other young people who care about creating positive change.
Access exclusive training, workshops and development opportunities.
Receive a certificate recognising your contribution.
Request a reference after three months of active participation.
Access optional opportunities to volunteer at events, speak at conferences and represent Spark UK externally.
Commitment and location
Youth Advisors will be appointed for a 24-month term beginning in October 2026.
The expected commitment is approximately 2–4 hours per month, including:
One 90-minute online meeting every month
Occasional preparation, feedback or activities between meetings.
Optional opportunities to support additional campaigns, projects and events.
Meeting times will be confirmed in advance.
Members are expected to attend at least 75% of monthly meetings. We understand that education, employment, caring responsibilities, illness and wellbeing sometimes need to come first, so reasonable flexibility will be available.
The role is primarily remote and open to young people anywhere in the UK. The group will be supported by Spark UK’s CEO, who will act as the main point of contact.
Accessibility and inclusion
Spark UK is committed to creating a Youth Advisor Group that reflects the diversity of young people across the UK.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. We particularly encourage applications from young people and communities whose voices are often underrepresented.
Applications can be completed in writing or submitted through an audio or video recording.
Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the application and selection process, as well as during your time with the group. To request an adjustment, discuss an alternative format or ask an accessibility question, email info@sparkuk.co.uk.
A safe and supportive environment
We want every Youth Advisor to feel respected, included and able to contribute.
Members will never be expected to disclose personal mental health experiences or discuss anything they are uncomfortable sharing. Different ways of contributing will be available, and everyone will be encouraged to establish and respect appropriate boundaries.
The Spark Youth Advisor Group is a youth participation and advisory group. It is not a mental health support service or therapy group.
Expenses
This is a voluntary role.
If a Youth Advisor is asked to travel for an agreed Spark UK activity or event, reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with Spark UK’s Expenses Policy.
All expenses must be agreed with Spark UK in advance.
How to apply
Complete our online application form and tell us:
A little about yourself.
Why you would like to join the Spark Youth Advisor Group.
Which issues affecting young people matter most to you.
What ideas, perspectives or interests you would bring.
You can answer in writing or submit an audio or video recording. You do not need to provide a CV.
Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 9 October 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short, informal online conversation with members of the Spark UK team. Dates and further details will be shared after applications close.
If you have a question or require a reasonable adjustment, email info@sparkuk.co.uk.