Hi everyone :) My names Sumeet and I have been part of the Youth Action Team since September 2009. I initially got involved with the team by being recruited as a volunteer at the first event held by them - Million in April 2009.

Million was a free event held in Ilford town hall and aimed to encourage and promote volunteering to people aged between 16 and 25; organised by the YAT team entirely, the day was an absolute success. The event engaged people on the high street around midday, with music, dhol players and street dancers to make people want to know what was going on. One of my duties was promotion. I handed out eye catching flyers and got people asking what we were doing; more people were interested when they heard it was a free event, shown with the slogan on our t-shirts “we don’t want your money”. This I believe was one of many factors that made people come to the event. Many local people volunteered and talent amongst the youth was showcased, as well as various stalls offering advice to the youth about volunteering and careers. One of the things that I think made the day a huge success - with over 1000 attendees - was the fact that the event wasn’t restricted in any way. Families with children of all ages, teenagers and the older generation all came out in force to support the team.

part of the YAT team on the day and the rest is history!! I have gained so many skills from being on the team, such as improving my organisation, and I have made loads of new friends. Also, we get so many opportunities to improve ourselves and gain life skills, for example we have recently completed leadership and empowerment training. At the moment we are in the process of organising a similar even to million but bigger! This time we are aiming for a billion! We are hoping to make an event like million an annual thing in Ilford so as to establish our name fully in the local community. I find it inspiring that a group of 16-25 year old ‘youths’ can create such an amazing event and I am proud to be changing the face of the youth! I am proud to be part of the North East London Youth Action Team! :)