Craig Battle

Craig Battle, age 20, is a Catch22 Young Adviser. He tells us about the recent Young Adviser training weekend that he went on and the important role that our Young Advisers play.

When did you first get involved with Catch22?
I joined Catch22’s Leaving Care Service in Leicester four years ago. I was told I had to leave my long-term foster family when I was 17 to live on my own. With the help of my support workers, I now have my own tenancy and have been living on my own for the past three years.

What do Catch22 Young Advisers do?
We help make sure that young people are at the centre of everything Catch22 does. We get involved with things like designing what goes into a service, proofing documents and policies, interviewing new staff and attending events.

What was the Young Adviser training weekend all about?
Eighteen young people from Catch22 services across the Midlands and North got together for a weekend of training. As we were from different Catch22 services, we talked about our services and learnt about the other things Catch22 does. By the end of the weekend, we were qualified Young Advisers! The weekend made me realise that we can really have a big impact on Catch22 and make a difference to the lives of other young people.

What do you enjoy about being a Young Adviser?
Having the opportunity to come away on this training has given me a lot of confidence, as I’ve never done anything like this before. Meeting other young people from different areas and gelling with them has helped to build my confidence. Having to stand up in front of people and talk about my experiences has been good for me too.

What are the Young Advisers up to next?
Lots! We are getting involved in the Catch22 values working group, helping with a bid for a leaving care programme, proof reading some marketing materials, going to party conferences with Catch22 Policy Team.