Welcome to #YouthVoice News and Opportunities – a regular roundup from the world of youthvoice, participation and influence
This week: | YVH to design Youth Voice module for Youth Work Degree | Ashoka opportunity worth £2000 | Electoral Commission Democracy Week feedback | British Youth Council revival reaction call / DCMS Youth Strategy Hacks | Research on YouthVoice views on Democracy | plus lots of opportunities to ‘have your say’ / join advisory boards .. with thanks to Youth Opportunities Digest co-authored by Molly Taylor who has just launched her own consultancy service LivedExperiencedLeadership | YouthVoice News is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer.
YOUTHVOICE HEARD – NEWS
⚡Youth Work Degree to include Youth Voice module: Youth Voice Heard is partnering with Nottingham Trent University to design and develop a Youth Voice, Participation and Influence module for their 3-yr Apprenticeship Integrated Degree Course in Youth Work (level 6) starting in autumn 2025. “This course is a degree apprenticeship giving an opportunity to people already working in organisations in a range of sectors such as education, criminal justice, youth work, healthcare, social care, or voluntary organisations that work with young people aged 11-19 (or up to 24 with disabilities), to upskill and become professionally recognised youth workers”. Notts Trent / open for enquiries and registration. “We will be exploring the role of youthvoice and participation in youth work settings and practice. Students will examine current theories, reference case studies, and be able to access and apply learning from the latest tools, resources and reading” James Cathcart, Consultant. Link includes Video Youth Worker Level 6 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship (JNC) BA (Hons) Undergraduate Course | Nottingham Trent University
⚡Ashoka UK & Ireland is making £2000 per person available to young leaders as part of their recently launched Generation Changemaker (GenC) initiative— a new national network for young changemakers aged 13–18 across the UK and Ireland. GenC is designed to support, celebrate, and amplify the voices of young people who are already leading impactful initiatives. Whether they’re building solutions, challenging systems, or reimagining their communities, this programme gives them the space, support, and recognition to go even further. “Young people care deeply about the future. In the UK, 83% say tackling climate change is a top priority, and 67% want careers that create a positive impact. But despite this drive, youth-led initiatives still face major barriers — from lack of funding to limited access to decision-making spaces. (YouthSight, 2022). We’re seeking 13–18 year olds who are already making a difference — whether by launching initiatives, reimagining systems, or mobilising their peers for change. GenC isn’t just a recognition; it’s a platform for growth, collaboration, and influence. Nominate them. Help us reach the next generation of leaders. 🔗 Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gKZ2caKd 📅 Applications are open until May 31st, 2025 Co-designed with young people and built on care and accountability, GenC is for founders or co-founders of initiatives making a real difference. Applications close on 31st May 2025
⚡A British Youth Council revival? Coming Soon : James Cathcart’s blog on the reaction to the consultation “What the Future Holds” and plans for next steps for a Youth Council “Follogwing the publication and launch of their report “What the Future Holds” , NYA is planning to convene a residential of its Young Associates to begin planning a roadmap to revival, which will hopefully engage the young leaders and representatives of a renewed national youth council membership, along with resources to support their reaction and mandate for the recommendations – and which ones to take forward. NYA intend to announce a ‘call to action’ with a view to a meet/gathering/assembly in the autumn. During the launch of NYAs consultation report guest speaker Laura Lundy said that “its embarrassing that the UK doesn’t have a National Youth Council” It’s been over 12 months since the British Youth Council closed in March 2024 leaving its membership without a secretariat, professional support and a national platform. What do stakeholders, members, and future supporters think of the consultation process and NYA’s plans to facilitate next steps led by their Young Associates. How will the Government respond to the reports call for core funding without compromising its independence and freedom to campaign? What do you think? Whats your reaction to the recommendations? Let me know / DM as I’m writing a new blog that will explore options and hopefully stimulate a debate about the exciting opportunities ahead, as more stakeholders, such as youth councils membership, engage with and are heard with the process going forward”
⚡DCMS April update is in Newsletter2, with a timetable and details for further engagement. Follow link for full text and link to subscribe National Youth Strategy Engagement Update – DCMS Youth Newsletter “We’re also still welcoming evidence and ideas for the National Youth Strategy, you can send this to youth@dcms.gov.uk. Update, timetable and
- National Youth Strategy Engagement Update
- Key Deadlines
- Further Engagement
- Spotlight on young people engaging with Deliver You!
YVH reaction: “Young people and Youth workers are still being consulted as part of this process in local forums, but other stakeholder and supporters of ongoing co-production and dialogue with Government should use this opportunity to submit their “evidence and ideas” in support of the Youth Strategy’s aims- especially on topics like the role of local youth councils, a new national youth council, and how Government departments will work together to deliver a coordinating Government Youth Strategy. Over 14,000 have completed the consultation survey (DeliverYou) raising issues which will span other Government Departments remits – Education, Justice, Local Government, Health…. I hope to submit evidence in support of the creation of a National Listening strategy (Dedicated Minister for Youth at Cabinet level, coordinating departments) to match a National Voice (Youth Council network and regular consultation/co=production) to make ‘meaningful dialogue’ an ongoing policy not a one off consultation” James Cathcart, Dir YVH.
ELECTORAL COMMISSION updates – resources and yp vices on politics and voting..
⚡Your Vote Week Welcome to Your Vote Week | Electoral Commission Over 590,000 yp engaged. 4830 education and partners got involved and 38 elected reps supported the weeks activities. Young People led the way with Youth Voice Champions who helped to set the them of ‘Get Informed Get Involved’ with fantastic activities and resources. Highlights from:
- I Have a Voice (England) created a democracy themed crossword and recorded a group discussion exploring questions linked to this year’s theme. Check out their blog to find out more.
- Children in Wales produced two podcasts and turned their ‘My Voice, My Vote’ slogan into two eye-catching murals. Click here to see them.
- Children in Scotland organised a Q&A session with former elected representative, Alison Thewliss. Read their blog to find out what they asked.
- Northern Ireland Youth Forum delivered an engaging social media campaign to promote Welcome to Your Vote Week and this year’s theme. See some of their content here.
⚡Young people’s views on politics and voting | Electoral Commission March 25, Key findings from research that looked at what young people aged between 11 and 25 years old think about politics and voting. The research was carried out using a combination of an online survey, with 2,516 people, and several focus groups in Autumn/Winter 2024.
RECOGNITION
⚡AWARDS OPEN – NOMINATE YOUTH VOICE! : Young Voices Heard BLOG by James Cathcart – Children Young People Now Awards 20th Anniversary – open for Nominations. Blog includes info on how to nominate. Why not nominate a #youthvoice project, young leader or youthvoice champion this year! | CYP Now – The CYP Now Awards reach 20th milestone. The awards opens for entries on Monday 31 March with the closing date of 5pm Closing Date: Thursday 12 June.
⚡James Cathcart writes for CYPNow Magazine on his relationship with the awards and their young judges .Children Young People Now Awards 20th Anniversary – open for nominations! – YOUNG VOICES HEARD 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
VoiceBox | By young people, for young people
“The international content platform by young people for young people. Create content on the topics you care about and get paid!” VoiceBox is an international youth-led content platform and social enterprise whose mission is to amplify the voices of young people around the world. We feature a wide variety of topics and formats of content from people aged 13-25. Become a paid content creator
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES DIGEST – Editors pick…
Youth Opportunities 5th May April edition | LinkedIn “for young people, curated by young people” founded and Co-Authored by #youthvoice pioneer Molly Taylor check it out . Below is just a selection of its opportunities that relate to #youthvoice Advisory Board roles – but check out the full issue for lots more – and subscribe!Party Conferences 2025
⚡Patchwork : Applications are open for Patchwork’s 2025 Party Conference Programme, offering 18–30-year-olds from under-represented backgrounds the chance to attend a major UK political party conference. Participants receive free tickets, take part in roundtable discussions with senior politicians, and get tailored support to engage confidently in political spaces. Open to UK residents who haven’t attended a party conference before and are committed to participating fully. Deadline: 9am, Tuesday 27th May 2025
⚡The Politics Project : Local Government – free introduction event Join The Politics Project for a free online event on Thursday, 12th June 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 on Zoom. This session invites young people to explore a future in local government by hearing directly from sitting councillors across the political spectrum. Learn what the role involves, why youth voices are vital in local politics, and how to start your journey toward becoming a councillor.
Advisory Boards
⚡Young Advisors for Maudsley Charity Young people aged 10–19 living in London, especially South London, are invited to apply. This is a chance to work with professionals to improve mental health support for young people in challenging circumstances. As part of the Youth Advisory Group, participants will collaborate with peers to inform key decisions, help shape the Building Brighter Futures programme, and gain valuable leadership experience by engaging directly with the team behind successful mental health projects. Application deadline: Friday 9th May 2025 (with flexibility available). To apply, email your completed form to: Bhavan@leaders-unlocked.org.
⚡Children in Scotland is inviting young people aged 8 to 22 to join its youth advisory group, Changing Our World. This group plays a vital role in shaping the organisation’s work by sharing experiences and perspectives on issues that matter to children and young people. Members participate in regular meetings—both online and in person—collaborate on projects, contribute to policy development, and engage with decision-makers. Recent initiatives have included co-chairing the annual conference, developing a paper on education and learning, and meeting with government ministers to discuss youth health concerns. This is a voluntary role with no salary, but it offers valuable experience and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Applications are open until 14 July 2025.
⚡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!
⚡Fair Education Alliance is recruiting 12 new Youth Steering Group members to help campaign for a fairer education system. Applicants must be aged 14–21 on 1st August 2025, live in England, and be passionate about reducing educational inequality. No prior experience or qualifications are needed. Priority will be given to underrepresented young people, especially those from the care system, alternative provision, or from London, the North East, or South West. Apply by midnight on 22nd June 2025 here: https://lnkd.in/darz9b-H
⚡The Youth Hood Project is inviting passionate young changemakers aged 14–25 to apply for its Young Leaders Board. [Our aim is to foster a profound sense of community, identity, and equity in youth development, empowering young people to reach their fullest potential. We also strongly believe that young adults deserve a seat at the decision-making roundtable to share their experiences and directly influence youth-related policy.] As a Young Leader, you will help shape YOUTHOOD’s campaigns, partnerships, and national advocacy work, design youth-led projects, represent young people’s voices at national events, and develop leadership, communication, and policy skills in a supportive environment. YOUTHOOD believes in real change driven by youth leadership, not just consultation. If you are passionate about education, careers, wellbeing, or social justice, this is your chance to make a difference. Applications close on Friday 27th June at 11:59 PM. Find out more and apply at: youthood.uk/governance.
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
LIVED EXPERIENCE LEADERSHIP – Molly Taylor
“In just a few weeks, I’ll be officially transitioning to offering consultancy services grounded in lived experience, truth, and impact. This is a huge leap—and one built on years of advocacy, storytelling, and systems change. My new website shares more about my “why”, my journey, and the work I’ve done so far.” 👉 mollytaylorconsultant.com
I’d love for you to take a look, share it with your networks, and help me spread the word far and wide.
As I step into this next chapter, I’m actively open to opportunities and collaborations for events from June onward—particularly those focused on:
🟦 Loneliness Awareness Week (June)
🟦 Conferences on Domestic Violence, Safeguarding, and Youth Advocacy
🟦 Youth Mental Health Day – September 19
🟦 World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10
🟦 Domestic Violence Awareness Month – October
🟦 Mental Health Awareness Day – October 10
If you’re organising or attending something relevant, or just want to connect—I’d love to hear from you. Huge thank you to so many for believing in me and my journey, Molly”
MORE RESOURCES at Young Voices Heard website..
For YVH recommended resources go to the http://www.YoungVoiceHeard.org.uk main website / RESOURCES, or browse back issues of #YouthVoiceNews