Welcome to #YouthVoice News and Opportunities – a regular roundup from the world of youthvoice, participation and influence
This week: Consultation report date/invite from the National Youth Agency on the future of a National Youth Council for the UK | Youth Employment UK UK launch their call to have your say in their annual Youth Voice Census | My Life My Say My Say launches National Voter Registration Day for local elections | Department for Culture, Media and Sport Minister promises youthvoice “heard” at Youth Select Committee launch | #IWILL Ambassadors recruiting The #iWill Movement | and James writes a article for Children & Young People Now on 20 years of young judges at their annual awards – now open! | Plus lots of opportunities to ‘have your say’ , join advisory boards .. with thanks to the brilliant youth-led Youth Opportunities Digest co-authored by Molly Taylor (check it out and subscribe!)
YOUTHVOICE HEARD – NEWS
VOTES@16 WATCH – Springtime: A twin track approach to ensure “Votes at 16 + education” gets over the line during the lifetime of this parliament as promised, is gaining momentum this Spring. On one ‘track’ are the #youthled campaigners like My Life My Say and the #UKYouthParliament who marshalling fresh arguments and social action to target parliamentarians (and no doubt the public and media) to win over any doubters, and to ensure that the legislation is . On the other parallel ‘track’ are a network or organisations, educationalists, and researchers working to ensure that civil servants, legislators and the electoral commission have access to their information and support to ensure implementation is of the highest standard and draws on best practice. Both share the goal that Votes at 16 will need to accompanied with citizenship/democracy education/ political literacy in schools, and learn from a long legacy of campaigners and supports. Votesat16 Watch reports some of the latest developments from around the country. See YVHs Home Page under Votes@16Watch for full list.
March/April
⚡VOTES@16Watch : Latest – blog by long-term supporters, the Electoral Reform Society summarises the more convincing arguments in favour – higher turnout, early engagement habit forming, UK equity We should extend the vote to 16- and 17-year-olds, here’s why – Electoral Reform Society – ERS ⚡VOTES@16Watch: @MyLifeMySay have been awarded a 1 year grant y the Joseph Rowntree Trust to run a largely parliamentary focused campaign to get votesat16 over the line. 16 young reps/campaigners have been recruited and have held three campaigning meetings. Watch this space for news of a launch.
⚡VOTES@16 WATCH | Feb 25 – New Network – The Politics Project is hosting a new network meeting ..
.. for those interested in Votes at 16 Third Wednesday of the Month @ 10am: 19th Feb, 19th March, 16th April, 21st May. If you would like to join our Votes at 16 meetings then please email Wendy on wendy@thepoliticsproject.org.uk ⚡VOTES@16 WATCH | 23 Mar 25 | Members of the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly gathered in Stormont to debate the arguments for and against votes at 16. Motion carried but not unanimously. 23/3 – A range of views were heard at Stormont, and with 37 of the 51 members voting Aye and 14 voting no, the “Votes at 16′” motion was carried. Northern Ireland Youth Assembly: ‘Voting rights of 16-year-olds would make my peers want to engage’ – BBC News
⚡VOTES@16 WATCH | Mar 25 | UK Youth Parliament to campaign for 16 and 17 year olds to be allowed to vote in all elections and referendums, accompanied with more political education throughout school. Although the Government has already committed to Votesat16 legislation, the addition of ‘political education’ may be the new focus for the UK Youth Parliament in 2025. Check out the speeches via Links to Parlt TV. a UK Youth Parliament House of Commons 28/2: TV Debate Latest – YOUTH VOICE NEWS
⚡NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL – INVITATION TO LAUNCH EVENT of Next Steps Report from the National Youth Agency. One year on from the closure of the British Youth Council – consultation report and recommendations webinar launch – 28th April 25 from 5.00 to 6.00 pm. “In September 2024, the National Youth Agency began investing resources into a UK-wide listening exercise and review to explore potential solutions for reinstating a sustainable and long-term future for national youth councils.” [a national youth council Ed] “Join us, together with youth participation expert and keynote speaker Professor Laura Lundy, to explore the recommendations outlined in our What the Future Holds – Future Recommendations Report.The event will highlight the value of youth voice and influence, rights based participation and partnership working. We’ll introduce you to the thematic learnings from the recent data capture and analysis – from Governance and Funding Models to Service Delivery and International Work – presenting the co-produced recommendations, which have been subject to scrutiny by various stakeholders, for consideration. CLICK – INVITATION REGISTRATION
⚡18+ NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY 11th April 2025. My Life My Say will be powering NVRD again this year on the 11th of April, encouraging young people across the country to register to vote in the upcoming local elections. On Thursday the 1st of May, elections will be held for 23 councils and 6 mayors across England. Many of these councils are responsible for social care, education, road maintenance and library service provision. If you want to have your say on how these services are provided in your area, the upcoming local elections are a great chance to have your voice heard 🗣️Find out if there are elections in your area here. Stay tuned as we have some exciting #NVRD announcements coming soon 👀 If you want to get involved, get in touch via email 👇 george@mlms.org.uk 📥
⚡FEATURE : Minister Stephanie Peacock MP promises to put young people at the ‘heard’ of decision-making. Was it a typo or did she say “heart”? (I written to DCMS to find out) But either way – being “heard” at the centre of decision making is so much more meaningful that at the “heart of” . She made the commitment as part of her speech to the UKYP Youth Select Committee report launch (Youth Violence and Social Media) Full text and link to report in this BLOG
⚡OUR FUTURE OUR VOICE – Festival in partnership with the V&A museum hosted the Children’s Commissioners first Festival of Childhood at the end of March/start of April, with several opportunities for #youthvoice to be heard . The Children’s Commissioner, Rachel de Souza, regularly champions these opportunities – such as chairing a recent policy round table (2nd April) with #youthvoice reps at Dept of Health with Minister for Public Health Ashley Dalton MP, or her special workshop (4th April) on Engaging Youth Voices – exploring how young people can be engaged in decision-making. Anyone can have their say with her here The Big Conversation | Children’s Commissioner for England
RECOGNITION
⚡RECOGNITION – Apply now to become an #iwill Ambassador!#iwill is a youth-led movement (facilitated by adult orgs Volunteering Matters and UKYouth – Ed) empowering young people (10-24) across the UK to drive social change. These days the #iwillmovement is increasingly about empowering young people, celebrating and recognising #youthvoice champions and campaigners. So why now nominate/apply to be an ambassador in recognition of your work! Each year, new Ambassadors are recruited to inspire others, collaborate with partners, and lead impactful social action. Ambassadors gain exclusive opportunities to develop leadership skills with dedicated support from #iwill. Apply by Monday, 14th April at 11:59 PM. For assistance, contact the #iwill Team at iwill@ukyouth.org.Campaign4 Youth Recognition
⚡AWARDS OPEN – NOMINATE YOUTH VOICE! 3/4/25 : Young Voices Heard BLOG by James Cathcart – Children Young People Now Awards 20th Anniversary – open for Nominations. James writes for CYPNow Magazine on his relationship with the awards and their young judges. Blog includes info on how to nominate. Why not nominate a #youthvoice project, young leader or youthvoice champion this year! Children Young People Now Awards 20th Anniversary – open for nominations! – YOUNG VOICES HEARD | CYP Now – The CYP Now Awards reach 20th milestone– Campaign4 Youth Recognition
HAVE YOUR SAY
⚡YOUTH VOICE CENSUS: The Youth Employment UK #youthvoice annual census is open to both young people aged 11- 30, AND employers, Govt policy people and Third Sector reps. Its one of the best annual capture of #youthvoice views by one of the most #youthvoice friendly organisations in the country. Check out previous findings on this link. The Youth Voice Census is your chance to share how you feel about school, work and life. It’s completely anonymous. Every year, thousands of people complete the survey, sharing their opinions to shape the future. Your answers will be used to help inform real-world change to make your experiences better through YEUK lobbying and the report is a great resource to all #youthvoice advocates and reps. Depending on the answers you give, the survey can take between 10 and 45 minutes to complete. You can start and stop as many times as you like, saving your progress as you go!- Have you say now. Youth Voice Census – Youth Employment UK Deadline 6th June
⚡GOVERNMENT / Deliver You: DEADLINE National Youth Strategy consultation survey (Age 10-21, or up to 25 with SEND) The government has launched its national listening exercise to let young people have their say on support services, facilities and opportunities they need outside the school gates. Through youth engagement charity My Life My Say and the #iwill Movement young people will be able to engage with Government both in-person and online. The Deliver You online survey is now open and will close on Wednesday 16 April, it is for young people aged 16 – 21 years old (aged 25 with SEND). There will also be physical events including peer led focus groups known as ‘Democracy Cafes’, and workshop sessions so young people can offer views in their own words. Background – Government partners with young people to help develop new national youth strategy – GOV.UK Latest info from Government Youth Team NEW – Newsletter Issue 1 Signup Youth Newsletter – March 2025 Deadline 16th April.
OPPORTUNITIES
⚡Apply now to become an #iwill Ambassador! #iwill is a youth-led movement empowering young people (10-24) across the UK to drive social change. Each year, new Ambassadors are recruited to inspire others, collaborate with partners, and lead impactful social action. Ambassadors gain exclusive opportunities to develop leadership skills with dedicated support from #iwill. Apply by Monday, 14th April at 11:59 PM. For assistance, contact the #iwill Team at iwill@ukyouth.org.
⚡Young Voices Heard – through Poetry/Essays – The Orwell Youth Prize 2025 is a writing competition for young people aged 13-18, encouraging critical thinking and political engagement through fiction and non-fiction writing. Open to all UK-based students, the prize welcomes essays, stories, and scripts responding to this year’s theme, “Who’s in Charge?”. Winners receive individual feedback, prizes, and publication opportunities. Free writing workshops are also available to support entrants. Apply by 24 April.
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES DIGEST – Youth Opportunities 7th April edition | LinkedIn “for young people, curated by young people” founded and Co-Authored by #youthvoice pioneer Molly Taylor check it out – here are just some of its #youthvoice opportunities – Click for full issue and subscribe!
Advisory Boards
⚡Join the RFU National Youth Council Are you aged 18–24 on 1 September 2025 and passionate about rugby or volunteering? The RFU National Youth Council is looking for new members to represent young voices and help shape the future of the game. As a voluntary member, you’ll take part in national meetings, support development projects, contribute to key decisions, and act as an ambassador for rugby’s values. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build your network, and develop valuable skills—all while making a real impact. The role involves around six council meetings and sub-committee sessions per year, with travel expenses covered. Apply by 11th April.
⚡Join the Calico Youth Board Are you aged 16–25, based in the West Midlands, and passionate about creativity? Calico is looking for local young creatives to help co-design their future business plan and strategy. As a Youth Board member, you’ll attend six sessions across the year, contribute your ideas, and help shape the future of Calico. Sessions run from 6–8 PM on the following Thursdays: 15th May, 17th July, 18th September, 13th November, 15th January, and 19th March. You’ll receive a £50 bursary per session, totalling £300 for the year. To apply, complete the short form by 9am on Thursday 24th April.
⚡Digital Rebels is has opened applications for their youth advisory board for 14–25 year olds across the UK. Open to all backgrounds, the group meets online monthly to shape campaigns and improve services. As a member, you’ll help guide how we engage young people on online safety, digital wellbeing, and using tech for good. Apply
⚡Join the Youth Collective – a UK-based group of 14–25 year olds taking action to end ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices. As an Ambassador (14+) or Board Member (16–25), you’ll help lead campaigns, gain skills, and connect with others making a difference. Based in the UK (ideally North West) No experience needed—training is provided! Apply ASAP.
⚡Butterfly Conservation Youth Panel is recruiting two new members aged 16–25 who are passionate about nature. Launched in 2024, the panel includes young people from across the UK, working to boost youth inclusion in conservation. Members commit around three hours a month, joining online meetings with full support, including help with tech, expenses, and equipment. Apply asap.
⚡Connect Futures are looking for young people to join their advisory board! If you’re aged 14–21, live in the West Midlands, and care about issues like online hate, misinformation, youth violence, or inclusive communities, apply now. You’ll answer 3 short questions in any format—text, voice, or video—with no preference given. Under 18? A parent/guardian consent section is included. Questions? Contact Savannah at savannah@connectfutures.org. Apply by 12th April at 23:59.
⚡The Young Leaders for the SDGs are recruiting young leaders for their 2025 cohort. The initiative recognizes exceptional young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Every two years, 17 young leaders are selected to work with the United Nations and partners to accelerate SDG implementation and engage young people in the areas of sustainable development, human rights, and peace and security. Apply by 18th April here.
⚡Join the Whizz Kidz Collective and help drive change for young wheelchair users across the UK. Open to wheelchair users aged 8–25, the Collective offers a wide range of opportunities – from creating social media content and giving feedback to partners, to joining fun activities, mentoring, and helping shape accessible products and spaces. You’ll also have a say in what matters most to young wheelchair users, helping guide the work Whizz Kidz does. Sign up here.
⚡Applications are now open for UK Youth Ambassadors at the The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award This is a great opportunity for young people to build confidence, develop communication skills, make connections, and influence positive change. As an Ambassador, you’ll help amplify youth voices, celebrate achievements, and keep the DofE accessible and relevant. Apply now or share with someone who might be interested: https://bit.ly/3FIBBfR — Apply by 30 April 2025.
Trustee positions
Interested in becoming a trustee? Only 3% of trustees are under the age of 30. Find under-30 friendly trustee boards through Young Trustees Movement
RESOURCES
At The Table – The Politics Project’s newest programme, funded by GLA (London) . A TOOLKIT for starting conversations about democracy in informal youth work settings with young people who feel less connected with the democratic process 0 easy to use games and conversation starts. Two training sessions in June, in in person in London and one online. If interested sign up asap.
Five top tips for embedding YouthVoice, Antonia Dixey from Participation People writes in Children Young People Now. CYP Now – 5 top tips for embedding youth voice
Sport England – Listening to our young people Listening to young voices | Sport England Here’s how guide Youth Voice Innovation Storybook
CASE STUDY – The European Youth Parliament (UK) is a 100% youth-led governed and volunteer run charity – no staff costs. income is from individual and school membership with cost of events pay-as-you-go. [Could this be an option worth exploring for a revived national youth council for the UK following the closure of the British Youth Council this time last year? Editor] “It aims to provide non-formal education for young people on a wide range of political issues facing the UK and Europe”. Its programme of debates and events for those aged 11-25 across the UK are organised by young volunteers who are elected by its individual members to an Executive Committee for one year, led by a President. Charity Trustees are all aged 16-25. Individual young people join for £10.oo and Schools bring ‘delegations’ to debates. They run 20 events a year (across UK and as part of European Youth Parliament) Check it out. Home | EYPUK