Our Ambassadors

I'm Lisa, I play golf to a high standard, I am in a marching Jazzband and I really like football. HAF Plus is important to me as it allows teenagers to experience opportunities they wouldn’t normally have. It also gives teenagers things to do as in Gateshead.

My name is Josh I turn 18 in four days. I plan on studying at Northumbria University this September and I enjoy going out with my friends and working out at the gym. HAF Plus is great because it give you new connections and new opportunities that you would never have otherwise.

My name is Lucas, I enjoy wildlife and the outdoors and regularly take part in things like fishing, camping and going out with my friends. I am a extrovert who enjoys the company of other people around me. I feel like HAF Plus is really important for people growing up. Young kids find themselves on the streets, some getting in trouble from the police because they don't have enough engaging and stimulating things to get involved in. HAF Plus gives them that.

I’m Nathan and I will be going University in September at Northumbria. I wanted to get involved with this programme as it will allow other young people to have the same opportunities I have had through the project.

The programme increased my confidence and developed my social skills. The programme itself is wonderful in many ways, including: not having to stress about travel, being offered opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and finally, to just have something to do and get rid of that annoying feeling of boredom.

I originally joined HAF Plus because of things that my friends were telling me about it, for example how fun the activities were and all the new people they were meeting. HAF Plus did not disappoint and I am thankful for all the opportunities they have given me.

What I see in HAF Plus is a structure, a way to help build that foundation for the young to show them that they continue to have the support around them that they need. The biggest thing HAF Plus offers to young people is a community and a home like environment that truly shows them how much support will be there for them.

The launch of the HAF Plus programme is something I wholeheartedly agree. I believe that young people should feel empowered and have access to opportunities that give them independence and the freedom to explore the opportunities that are right on their doorstep. This is an opportunity to experience new things and go new places that they can enjoy.

Cricketqube has been delivering HAF camps across the North East for over three years. As someone who has seen first-hand the profound impact of the HAF programme on underprivileged children, I found it very easy to choose to be an HAF Plus Ambassador. Being an alum of Northumbria University which played a critical role in developing the HAF programme, made it even easier.

I've been fortunate to have people in my community inspire me to come out of my comfort zones and try new things. This led to me writing for TV, playing in the Olympic games and pursuing my passions in animation. I think it's important for youth to have enriched lifestyles and opportunities no matter where you're from. Being a HAF Plus Ambassador I'm hoping we can do the same for them.

The programme can be life changing. It will surround you with people who will help you become the best version of yourself and offer you opportunities to explore pathways to realise your full potential. All that is required of you is to take up as many of those opportunities as you can.