The Why Teens podcast was nominated in the Project of the Year category at the Inspirational Youth Awards Birmingham 2024. The Inspirational Youth Awards showcase the positive impact Birmingham’s incredible youth are making on their community, inspire future generations to play a positive role in raising aspirations and be empowered with the idea that each one of them can be a force for change in their lives and their communities.
Rachel Dutta Choudhury, Bid Writing, Fundraising and Development Manager said; “We’re really proud of the podcast and the dedication shown by all of the young people who have been involved in creating it. This award nomination recognises their hard work and the impact and reach of the podcast.”

The Why Teens podcast began after young people attending Young Carers Youth Clubs at YMCA Sutton Coldfield took part in a video project for Carers Awareness week. The young people expressed how much they’d like the opportunity to produce a podcast, by young people, for young people.

YMCA Sutton Coldfield were thrilled to secure funding from The Active Wellbeing Society to enable this. Why Teens Podcast was launched in January 2023, with the aim of giving young people, in particular young carers, a safe space and a voice where they could talk about issues that affect them directly, connect with other young people and let other young carers know they are not alone. The podcast hosts received training from Monkey Pants Productions and now lead on all aspects of the podcast with support from staff.

The podcast has had over 500 downloads and been listened to in 11 countries! The awards ceremony takes place on the 27th April.

Find out more and listen to the podcast here:
https://ymcasc.org.uk/why-teens-podcast/