Alfie Watts | YoungMinds Ambassador

Why have you chosen to support YoungMinds?

"I think YoungMinds was a natural progression for me after my journey on Race Across The World. I guess I always struggled to find support in some of the usual places growing up – I wanted to be someone that people could take inspiration from. People who perhaps don’t get that support from their school environment or families, or who’ve had challenging experiences as a young person – showing that you can come out the other side (mainly) positive!"

"I’m very very lucky with the life I have in this moment but can often feel a constant pressure to be performing at the top of my abilities, while also always being happy and engaging – it can be really draining! Coupled with the pressure of wanting to be the best and be there for everyone who needs me. My friends are the greatest weapon in my arsenal – I am so blessed to have a circle of absolutely incredible friends. We seem to just have this unofficial pact that no matter what issues each of us encounter, we’ll deal with them together and battle on. My friends are my world, and just being in their company is enough to switch me off from the crazy world of media and socials! Other than that, football’s fun and I think I am WAY better at table tennis than I actually am!"

"The funny thing about being young is that, even though nobody realises that at the time, you’re actually laying the foundations for how you want to live your life. I remember my best mate and I putting together a YouTube channel called ‘Challengers For Charity’ with the concept being that we’d do funny challenges for various charities. I always was embarrassed to admit I had these ideas or that this was the kind of life I wanted – but now looking back it’s that ambition that got me to where I am today. My advice would always be – do what you love and when your opportunity comes, take it. I also remember when I was at my lowest, the reassurance of ‘everything will be fine eventually’ in hindsight would’ve been amazing. But during that time, I’m not sure there’s anything anyone could’ve said to me that would’ve made a massive difference – we have to remember that everyone is on their own journey, and you will find that purpose in life again."

Which of our values do you relate to most and why?

We're optimistic!

"Life’s realities can be very tough and harsh; and are often extremely confusing. I’ve found that optimism and ambition is what builds that self-belief for me that you can really achieve something amazing. Even through challenges and tough moments, optimism has always guaranteed me a route out. Even if I can’t see it in that moment, knowing and believing progress is happening leads me to making choices that can guide me out of those moments. Even through the smaller things, optimism is the light that keeps us crawling."