A North Belfast native, Kate Lynch has always been interested in giving back to her community. Throughout her time at Queen’s, determined Kate has balanced her studies with youth work to ensure her community is seen as a place of hope.  

A qualified and active youth worker, Kate is involved in a range of youth groups and charities, all while also being a student peer mentor at University and studying towards her degree.  

But it was through her love of music that Kate began volunteer work as a Youth Ambassador for music charity Orchestras for All, travelling to all corners of the UK to provide opportunities to young people, as she describes:  

“Music is key to my life and my emotional wellbeing – not just playing music and performing but giving the opportunity to other young people through music engagement. Orchestras For All has helped me to actively do this for over 300+ young people across the UK with music engagement that is free and fully accessible to all youth, no matter what they can physically and mentally achieve.”  

This work has given young people the chance to explore their passions, priorities and morals – as Kate herself once had the opportunity. And it was through volunteering with this music charity that Kate had her eyes opened to the world around her, as she reflects on what she learned:  

“Music has taught me about the socio-economic disparities between communities, cities and countries in the UK. These young people, no matter how tough they have it, are the kindest, happiest and funniest people I have ever met. They have taught me that no matter what, it is in all of our capacities to make this world a more accessible, fun and supportive place to live."  

While Kate was helping others and doing well in university, things at home took a turn and things in her personal life got difficult but it didn’t stop her – she persevered, as she explains:   

“During my time at University, my Dad took a serious heart attack and luckily survived, and I kept on going. I kept on contributing to student life and my community alongside my studies. Whether this was in Belfast, Lisburn, Birmingham — studying, work and volunteering just magically seemed to go hand in hand.”  

Eyes are firmly on the future now for Kate, as she returns to Queen’s in September for a PGCE course so she can qualify as a secondary school teacher and continue her work helping young people across Belfast and beyond.  

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