DisElectAbility - Empowering Youth Voices with Troy Njenje-Mbanga

Empowering Youth Voices with Troy Njenje-Mbanga

07/14/24 • 41 min

Empowering Youth Voices: An Interview with Troy Njenje-Mbanga

In this episode, the host, Autisticly Aar, interviews Troy Njenje-Mbanga, a 21-year-old ambassador and youth activist from West Oxford Wakefield. Troy shares his journey of advocating for inclusion and the rights of young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). He discusses his personal experiences with autism, the support he received, and the importance of youth participation in activism. Troy highlights his involvement with organizations like iWill and Reach Out To All, focusing on social issues such as education, climate change, and mental health. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing support services and the need for improved mental health resources.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:46 Meet Troy: Advocate and Activist

01:24 Troy's Personal Journey with Autism

02:53 Challenges and Coping Strategies

08:26 Involvement in Advocacy Groups

11:49 Campaigns and Key Issues

13:01 Improving Education and Inclusion

22:39 Mental Health Support for Young People

32:54 Political Engagement and Voting

39:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Empowering Youth Voices: An Interview with Troy Njenje-Mbanga

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:46 Meet Troy: Advocate and Activist

01:24 Troy's Personal Journey with Autism

02:53 Challenges and Coping Strategies

08:26 Involvement in Advocacy Groups

11:49 Campaigns and Key Issues

13:01 Improving Education and Inclusion

22:39 Mental Health Support for Young People

32:54 Political Engagement and Voting

39:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Paula Peters From Disabled People Against Cuts On The Need To Continue The Fight

Episode description:

Paula Peters: A Lifelong Activist for Disability Rights

In this heartfelt and compelling interview, Paula Peters recounts her journey as a disability rights activist starting from the age of eight. Paula discusses her personal struggles with hypermobility syndrome and the fight to keep hydrotherapy services available in Southeast London. She delves into her experiences within the mental health system, challenges with employment, and the impact of political decisions on disabled individuals. Peters highlights her involvement with Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), emphasizing their campaigning efforts, the importance of collective activism, and their fight against austerity and privatization of the NHS. The discussion also explores her views on the current political climate and the necessity of continued activism to secure the rights and dignity of disabled people. Trigger warnings include mentions of mental health struggles, psychiatric abuse, and the impacts of austerity measures.

Find out more about DPAC: https://dpac.uk.net/about/

Timings of episode running order:

00:00 Introduction to Paula Peters

00:15 Early Activism and Hydrotherapy Campaign

01:42 Mental Health Struggles and Advocacy

04:22 Joining DPAC and Fighting Austerity

14:53 Challenges in the Workplace

17:52 Issues in Mental Health System

22:24 Impact of Political Decisions on Mental Health

27:43 The Need for Systemic Change

31:28 Concerns Over Lifelong Disabilities and Government Reforms

35:06 The Impact of Political Parties on Disability Rights

38:51 Upcoming Day of Action and Campaign Demands

42:57 Challenges in Voting and Political Representation

53:01 Future Hopes and Continued Campaigning

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Policy and Passion: Brendan Roberts' Role in Voices from Care Cymru

Disability Politics with Brendan Roberts: Neurodivergence and Political Engagement

This episode features Brendan Roberts, a 23-year-old from Torfaen with autism and dyspraxia. Brendan discusses his experiences in various professional roles, including at the Department of Work and Pensions and Voices from Care Cymru, where he has significantly influenced Welsh government policy. He also delves into his political journey with the Liberal Democrats, his advocacy for social justice, including LGBT+ rights, and the importance of diverse voices in politics. The episode highlights the challenges and systemic barriers faced by neurodivergent and disabled individuals in the workplace and political arena, emphasizing empathy and accessibility.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:31 Podcast Content Overview

02:59 Guest Introduction: Brendan Roberts

10:51 Brendan's Professional Journey

13:33 Challenges of Being Neurodivergent

19:05 Experiences with the Benefits System

20:38 Empathy and Understanding in the Workplace

22:24 Brendan's Political Involvement

22:42 Discovering Politics and Joining the Lib Dems

23:34 Campaigning and Running for Office

23:56 Becoming a Candidate and Party Roles

25:05 Reflections on Welsh Independence and Party Politics