With Ruby O’Brien

In this episode of The Resilient Kid Podcast, Ashley speaks with an inspiring young leader, Ruby O'Brien and winner of the Womanifest Future Voice Award.

Ruby perfectly represents the heart of this podcast series, Only Takes One Person — because behind her journey is a youth worker who asked two powerful words that changed everything:

“Why not?”

As a young carer growing up in Knowsley, Ruby carried significant responsibility at home and struggled to trust people after a difficult experience in her family. But when a youth worker named Jack encouraged her to step into a youth group and later apply for Youth Parliament, Ruby began to realise something powerful:

Her voice mattered.

Today, Ruby has spent two years representing young people in her role as Youth MP, including speaking in the House of Commons and championing issues that matter to young people, including mental health, education, and community empowerment.

In this conversation, Ruby shares how one person believing in her helped her find the confidence to step forward — and how she now hopes to be that person for other young people.

She also talks about her latest campaign to raise £20,000 for an accessible lift at the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool, after witnessing wheelchair users unable to access the stage at a youth event.

For Ruby, the message is simple:

Accessibility is a right, not an option.

This episode is a powerful reminder that when young people feel heard, supported, and believed in, incredible things can happen.

And sometimes… it only takes one person.

In this episode

Ruby’s journey to becoming Knowsley’s Youth MP
How a youth worker helped her believe in herself
The experience of growing up as a young carer
Finding confidence and using your voice
Ruby’s campaign for accessibility at the Epstein Theatre
Why young people must be heard in decision-making

Ruby’s message to young people

“If you’ve got a dream, go for it. If you fail, that’s not failure — it means you tried.”

A reflection for listeners

Who was the person who believed in you?

The teacher, youth worker, coach, parent, or mentor who saw something in you before you saw it yourself.

Because resilience isn’t built alone.

And sometimes… it only takes one person.

Time Stamps:

00:00 One Person Matters
01:03 Meet Ruby OBrien
02:30 Youth Parliament Mission
04:38 Finding Her Voice
05:38 Jack The Turning Point
08:16 From Fear To Leadership
13:09 Confidence And Purpose
15:37 Accessibility Lift Campaign
20:10 How Adults Can Help
23:50 Whats Next For Ruby
28:31 Gratitude And Closing

Find all the resources in our Listeners Lounge:

https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/lounge

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/Mfoof6Spxck

Spotify Link:

Ruby's Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ruby_knowsleymyp
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-o-brien-22a157335
Campaign Link- https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ruby-obrien-1

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