United Youth Alliance were awarded a KAVS in 2023 for the brilliant work they do creating spaces for communities to lead collective change and increase social mobility. Based in Lancashire, they go above and beyond to support their local community. We got in touch with Group Leader and Founder, Deborah Terras to get some insight into their work.
What does your group do?
The United Youth Alliance (UYA) is a unique organisation supporting the development of the civil sector to increase capacity and impact. Founded by Deborah Terras in 2018, we offer community led, time limited interventions that support and develop communities, which includes social action, research, training and events.
What is the role of volunteers?
At UYA, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities tailored to individuals, spanning a wide age range. Our volunteer base is drawn from communities across the Fylde Coast, each playing an integral role in our organisation’s activities. Primarily, volunteers contribute to our events, including the longstanding tradition of International Women’s Day, International Men’s Day and Youth Pride, which we’ve proudly organised since 2018. Volunteers make a huge impact by delivering workshops, co-designing youth activities and working with community members to ensure their voices are heard.
What is the group’s impact on the local community?
We have made a significant impact in the local community through various initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting youth. Some key impacts include:
Youth Development: we provide essential support and resources for the development of young people, offering opportunities for skill-building, education, and personal growth.
Community Engagement: we actively engage with the community, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting social cohesion through its programs and events.
Advocacy and Awareness: we raise awareness about important social issues affecting youth, advocating for their rights and interests within the community.
Volunteer Engagement: by offering volunteer opportunities to individuals of various ages, we encourage community members to actively participate in creating positive change.
Overall, we play a vital role in enhancing the well-being and prospects of youth in the local community, contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive society.
What does being awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service mean to the group and its volunteers?
Deborah Terras, Group Leader of UYA, commented:
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a testament to the outstanding dedication, commitment, and impact that volunteers have had on the community.
Jake Adams, one of the UYA Directors, added:
We are profoundly thankful for this prestigious recognition and remain steadfast to nurturing positive change in our community, collaborating with our partners to continue our mission of empowering our community and driving positive change for years to come, united in our commitment to make a difference.
What are your plans for the next 5 years?
We have secured some short term funding to develop our youth action groups and we are working alongside young women and other key stakeholders to implement the 5 year International Women’s Day strategy. Additionally, we are developing our 4 nations project with Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. We are working alongside young people to co-develop an identity social action project. In June we hosted the 3rd Youth Pride and November 2024 sees International Men’s Day Festival return with young men leading on this planning.
How can the public get involved?
If the public would like to get involved, they can visit our website or social media channels to find out more: