Abigail Kirk

I have recently graduated from The University of Sheffield with a degree in Sociology and social Policy, and now I work within a communications and public relations company specialising in transport and sustainability. During my degree, and now alongside my job, I have been a young advisor at Sheffield Futures.

Before taking on the role as a young advisor I was a member of the Sheffield Youth Cabinet for a few years, which was ran by Sheffield Futures. After this I became a young advisor, a role which has seen me through university and now at the start of my career after graduating. Being involved in various roles and projects at Sheffield Futures has shaped me as a person, and has helped me through my degree and beginning my career. Working on transformative projects with other young people has been a motivator for me within, and outside of my role within Sheffield Futures.

I am passionate about working within projects that transform the city and the lives of the people that live here. I am grateful for the opportunities Sheffield Futures have provided me with, and I am passionate about championing similar opportunities for other young people in Sheffield.

I have particularly found working on projects involving other young people the most rewarding, especially delivering project work within schools and in the areas I grew up in. Providing young people with opportunities to progress and develop is key to levelling up society, and I am proud to have worked on projects that aim to deliver this.

I am a young advisor as transforming Sheffield, and wider, is important to me. It’s important to have young people representing other young people, and ensure their voices are heard. Far too often youth voice is ignored, and as a young advisor it is my responsibility to ensure young peoples views, needs, and hopes are represented.