Welcome to #YouthVoice News and Opportunities – a regular roundup from the world of youthvoice, participation and influence
This week: 12,000 young people complete DeliverYou Govt survey | DCMS Youth Strategy Newsletter issue 2 update | Votes@16 Watch | Invite from the National Youth Agency on the future of a National Youth Council for the UK | Global Youth Summit opportunity | YVH Recommended Reads 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 News is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer.
YOUTHVOICE HEARD – NEWS
⚡12,000 yp across England complete DeliverYou Youth Strategy survey consultation for DCMS . The survey closes on 16th but other focus groups for young people continue. See latest Newsletter for details
⚡ New DCMS Newsletter No 2. update, timetable and details for further engagement. Follow link for full text and link to subscribe National Youth Strategy Engagement Update – DCMS Youth Newsletter
- National Youth Strategy Engagement Update
- Key Deadlines
- Further Engagement
- Spotlight on young people engaging with Deliver You!
⚡Regional Youth Work Units (Youth Focus) commissioned by DCMS to engage #youthvoice supporting ‘youthworkers’ Although not the only workforce that supports youthvoice to power, this group and the regional network have been key in supporting local government youth councils, youth parliaments and the former national youth council.
“We’re pleased to announce that the Network of Regional Youth Work Units will be running a series of workshops to engage youth workers in the National Youth Strategy development, ensuring we hear the voices of those supporting young people about their hopes for the Strategy and solutions for current challenges around workforce development, funding models and sector support. For more information get in touch with your local Regional Youth Work Unit here. We’re also still welcoming evidence and ideas for the National Youth Strategy, you can send this to youth@dcms.gov.uk.”
VOTES@16WATCH
VOTES@16 WATCH : 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 with the . 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.
April
⚡VOTES@16Watch : What do young Britons really think? The Financial Times recently wrote a piece about the implications of lowering the voting age to 16, by highlighting a John Smith Centre poll. The Centre is a non-aligned charity based in Scotland that promotes young people’s engagement in politics across the UK,. The 2025 Youth Poll surveyed 16- to 29-year-olds. 2025-03-27_UK-Youth-Poll-2025_DIGITAL.pdf The Financial Times refers to this as a survey of 16 and 17 year olds [we’re checking with them Ed). The cohorts priority issues was Housing, which may be more of an issue for the under 30s than the under 18s. The article also claimed that the younger the age the lower the turnout rate, referring to those 18-24 age group. However research of elections of 16-17 years in Scotland, Germany, Austria shows that 16 and 17 years not only have a higher turn-out than 18-24 year old, but that early engagement jump starts a voting habit, combined with education in schools about democracy, voting and topics, leads to a continued higher turnout in their subsequent elections. We need more research into what 16 and 17 years would prioritise as young voters and perhaps some polling of their voting intentions?
⚡VOTES@16Watch: @MyLifeMySay have been awarded a 1 year grant by 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 | New Network – The Politics Project is hosting a new network meeting .. for those interested in Votes at 16 Third Wednesday of the Month. The April meeting included and was led by young representatives. The following meeting will be on the 21st May. If you would like to join our Votes at 16 meetings then please email Wendy on wendy@thepoliticsproject.org.uk
COMING UP
⚡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
⚡Global Youth Summit: Applications are now open for the fully funded Global Youth Summit 2025, taking place 20–24 October in Cape Town, South Africa. Hosted by ATKV and Global Changemakers, this life-changing opportunity brings together young leaders aged 21–28 from around the world for a week of skills training, networking, and collaboration. Participants will receive round-trip airfare, accommodation, and meals, and join a global network of 1,200+ changemakers with access to exclusive funding opportunities. International applications are open from 1–25 April 2025.
RECOGNITION
⚡AWARDS OPEN – NOMINATE YOUTH VOICE! : 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
RECOMMENDED READS
⚡Adolescence: Young Lives, Young Futures in social media age 9/4/25 Olly Newton, Executive director of The Edge Foundation. Thought provoking piece prompted by TV programme ‘Adolescence’ underscores need to #youthvoice movement to be taken seriously in its own right. -“As young people increasingly turn to online influencers for guidance, the need for real-world support has never been greater but …too often in education, adults make decisions in policymaking echo chambers with little input from young people.” The education system needs change. It’s time to start listening – really listening – to young people’s lived experiences instead of assuming we have all the answers.
⚡Why I’m proud to be a charity case. 15/4/25 Sean Sinanan #youthvoice champion, speaker and former member of the Youth Parliament, tells his personal story of success despite adversity, paying tribute to those charities who supported him and questions the idea of success being ‘self-made’. “Modern narratives would have me believe this [success] makes me ‘self-made,’ but I disagree. The myth of the self-made individual is exactly that – a myth. Our outcomes are shaped by the people, institutions and interventions that support us. And often, the most crucial support comes in the form of charity.” A self-effacing approach from a clearly talented individual, it explores the relationship between orgs and individuals on their journey. #OnetoWatch
⚡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
OPPORTUNITIES
⚡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 14th April edition | LinkedIn “for young people, curated by young people” founded and Co-Authored by #youthvoice pioneer Molly Taylor check it out . Below are just a few of its opportunities that relate to #youthvoice but check out the full issue for lots more – and subscribe!
Advisory Boards
⚡Student Minds is recruiting higher education students and sabbatical officers to co-create a new podcast and video series for neurodivergent students. As a paid steering group member (£100 per meeting), you’ll help shape content, share insights, and work alongside neurodivergent peers and experts. No interviews—selection is based on applications only. Apply by 20 April at 11:59pm. First meeting: 3 May. Travel within the UK is covered. Questions? Contact: studentspace@studentminds.org.uk.
⚡Esmee Fairburn : Applications are now open to join the Involving Young People Collective (IYPC) 2025—a paid consultancy opportunity for young people aged 18–25, passionate about social change and youth voice in funding. As a consultant, you’ll help shape how the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation funds projects across the UK, working alongside peers, HUDL, and Esmée staff. The role is flexible (3–10 hours/month), remote with in-person retreats, and paid at £22/hour. No prior experience is needed—just a commitment to equity, learning, and collaboration. Apply by 11:59 PM on Thursday, 24th April 2025.
The Childnet Youth Advisory Board is a dynamic group of young people aged 13–17 from across the UK who are passionate about making the internet a safer and more positive space. As a board member, you’ll meet monthly online to share your experiences, shape Childnet’s campaigns and resources, and influence key conversations around online safety. Members have had the chance to speak at national events, co-create educational tools, engage with the tech industry, and even visit Parliament to advocate for change. If you want to help shape a better online world for young people. Apply by 5th May 2025 to join the Youth Advisory Board.
Earth Echo: Passionate about protecting our ocean planet? Apply to join the EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council (YLC)—a global team of young environmental leaders (ages 15–22) who help shape EarthEcho International’s programs and lead campaigns to mobilize youth worldwide. As a YLC member, you’ll gain leadership skills, collaborate with peers and global partners, and contribute to the mission of a leading international environmental nonprofit. The 2025 application is open until May 5 and is available exclusively through GenSea, EarthEcho’s digital platform for young ocean advocates.
Youthwise: Applications are open for Youthwise 2025, the OECD’s Youth Advisory Board, from 15 April to 15 May. Established in 2021, Youthwise brings together dynamic individuals aged 18 to 30 from across OECD member countries to share youth perspectives on key global issues. Members engage directly with policymakers, participate in high-level discussions and workshops, and contribute to shaping inclusive policies on topics like climate, education, technology, social mobility, and more. The programme runs from July 2025 to June 2027, and applicants must be fluent in English, passionate about international debates, and committed to active participation. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard—Apply by 15 May!
⚡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.
⚡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 achievementof 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.
⚡Duke of Edinburgh – 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
Message from Molly – Feedback on Youth Opps Digest. Please complete/share.
“As Youth Opportunities continues to grow, we’re taking a moment to reflect — and we’d really value your insight. We’ve created a short organisation Check-In Form to hear how you’ve been using the resource, who it’s reaching, and how we can do even better.
🕐 Takes just 5–10 minutes: 👉 Partner Form https://lnkd.in/ebQfu7Ab
“If you are a young person or work directly with young people, we’d also love for you to share this youth-friendly feedback form — so we can hear from those accessing our newsletter and opportunities first hand:
👉 For young people https://lnkd.in/eWrSqrWB
RESOURCES
A selection of new resources. For more and YVH recommended resources go to the http://www.YoungVoiceHeard.org.uk main website / RESOURCES, or browse back issues of #YouthVoiceNews.
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.
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