Zach has been a positive force on the panel. Since joining, he has shared his experiences and ideas through public speaking, including at a special full council meeting, and has represented young people on the SEND Executive Board.
Now that Zach has turned 25, he is leaving the youth panel. We met with Zach for a proper farewell and to hear about his life, experiences, and time with the youth panel.
Why did you join Elevated Youth?
The reason I joined the Elevated Youth panel is because I wanted to give something back to my community. My parents taught me to always be generous, never forget where you come from, and always give back. I’ve grown up here and done so much outside my community, but it just felt time through the lived experiences I’ve gained from participating in various activities and being part of many communities, it just felt time to give back.
Cllr Buxton, Zach, Cllr Brabazon and anti-knife crime campaigner Faron Paul.
Importance of young people with disabilities having a platform
I think it’s important for young people with disabilities to have a voice and a place where they can belong—a sense of community. We often have a lot to say and a lot to give. There are positive things we have in our minds, and if we’re given that platform and space to share our ideas, we can make our society, our areas, or our world a better place.
Members of Elevated Youth during a meeting at Rising Green Youth Hub
What was your experience like growing up in Haringey?
Growing up with cerebral palsy made school tough. I hated school. The only time I felt safe or like myself was when I was at home. The kids at school weren’t very nice. They wouldn’t play with me—as if I was some sort of alien. When you have a disability, people can put you in a box. Kids thought they couldn’t play with me because I was different from them, which made me feel like I didn’t belong.
This gave me a sense of rebellion—until I went to my local youth group at Markfield. There, they taught me how to manage and accept my disability, and that my disability could be some sort of superpower. They saw something in me—that I like to talk, that I’m very passionate and driven. If I like something, I don’t just want to try it out; I want to be good at it. Being in that environment and mixing with all the different kids dealing with their own difficulties was a really positive experience for me and gave me the community and encouragement I needed to feel empowered.
Why is it important to have a youth panel of young people with disabilities?
Because we can share our voice and be part of something, contribute to society, and be a voice of influence in a positive way. We can also give others opportunities with the lessons we’ve gained and the experiences we’ve gained and give that back to future generations.
Members of Elevated Youth speaking during a special full council meeting in October 2024
Why is it important for councillors to meet with young people who grew up in Haringey?
Because I feel like sometimes, we just say we want things to change—because the council will ask us to do something or spread awareness. But if they aren’t there within the action, the message isn’t getting across because they can’t really empathise with what we’re saying. Things need to move within Haringey because a lot of things get swept under the rug or don’t get mentioned.
There’s an ‘us and them’ mentality because they’re the older generation or the people with influence. But it’s always nice to hear fresh, new ideas and think about how we can break that cycle and get more young people in those spaces where they can actually make big changes alongside the leaders with influence.
Young people shouldn’t be afraid to say, ‘Oh yeah, I want to work for the council one day.’ Seeing someone like me talking about how my community affects me and the problems we face, and how my voice can help fix things, can inspire those young people to believe they too can share their voice with the council and make changes in their community.
Members of Elevated Youth with the Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, Cllr Buxton, Cllr Brabazon, and the Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Sue Jameson
What advice do you have for young people with special needs?
Be yourself.
Whatever opportunities come your way, say yes to them!
Have confidence in yourself; don’t listen to nonsense. If I had let my disability get the best of me, I wouldn’t be the person I am today and wouldn’t have achieved the successes I have now.
Always be prepared to make mistakes and learn from them.
- Be kind to yourself and treat others with kindness. This is the most positive thing you can do because it opens up more opportunities. In any walk of life, people are more likely to empathise and listen to your voice.
Zach on a visit to the University Oxford with Elevated Youth members
Watch our interview with Zach
Get involved
Visit the Elevated Youth Panel website for more information.
