Life as a Young Leader

I’m Courtney Cooksey, aged 24 and one of the Young Leaders at Youth Cymru. Being a Young Leader means that I can gain experience in the youth work sector (possibly leading to a job with the Youth Engagement and Participant Service in Rhondda Cynon Taf), and great experience towards my Psychology degree. 

Growing up with a father who has done youth work for over 30 years, has given me a lot of knowledge in the area and has helped shape me into the person I am today. I want to be able to help others have a voice, especially those from more diverse backgrounds such as disabilities and mental health conditions. 

The Young Leaders Programme has been a wonderful opportunity for me to get involved in the community, and work towards a Level 2 Youth Work Qualification. I’m now also working towards a Level 3 in Detached and Outreach Youth Work. I recently attended one of the Annual General Meetings and gained an insight into how all workers in the service gather each year to discuss how their budget has been used, and how they address things moving forward. 

Alongside youth work, I’m a student at the University of South Wales, studying Psychology with Developmental Disorders degree. I started this in 2023 and want to be a Clinical Psychologist. I’ve been interested in youth work all my life so felt that this was a brilliant side project whilst I’m studying. David and Shannon, the Youth workers at Youth Cymru who are leading the programme have been brilliant tutors, and have given me every opportunity, and plenty of additional support along with my AuDHD. 

In my spare time, I love going to metal concerts and spending time with my dog Luna. I adore Spider-Man and even have a tattoo of him on my arm (the first of many cool tattoos).