Welcome to #YouthVoice News and Opportunities – a regular roundup from the world of youthvoice, participation and influence
This week: | Centre4YV relaunch | Youth Recognition – Nominate Now for Kings Honours 26 | British Youth Council latest Q&A | Votes16 new Minister?| Tokenism – avoid it? Blog | USA youthvoice in democracy – Article | plus our usual features & Youth Opportunities | YouthVoice News is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer. HOORAH ! – This week YouthVoiceNews reaches 500 subscribers on LinkedIn after 20 Editions. Originally launched on YVH platform in January – this brings the total number of editions to 34!
YOUTHVOICE HEARD – NEWS
⚡Centre for Youth Voice Relaunch 30th Sept / Young Ambassadors Prepare
The Centre For Youth Voice will relaunch on 30th September 4 -6 pm. Details and invitation Here. This event will be hosted by Young Ambassadors and the Network of Regional Youth Work Units. The event will launch the new website, profile the training offers and resources that will be available for practitioners and young people, as well as discuss areas for future development.
In preparation for the relaunch The Regional Youth Work Units, who are the new host of the Centre, brought together the Centres Young Ambassadors for a residential weekend. They will have a role in shaping/overseeing the Centres services. YVH had lobbied funders to establish such a centre many years ago and has worked in partnership with the previous host at the George Williams YMCA College – so we are very much looking forward to collaborating and signposting resources and opportunities at the new Centre which is funded by the The National Lottery Community Fund.
⚡Govt Honours Team call for nominations – deadline 19th Sept
The Honours Team responsible for social care awards (DCMS) is calling for nominations to be submitted by 19th Sept, for next summers Kings Birthday Honours 2026, particularly those from under-represented groups. YVH has been campaigning for more young leaders/changemakers/campaigners to be nominated in recognition for their exceptional contribution as change-makers and to inspire others. Click here for details and access Young Voices Heard resources and Case Studies, to submit your nomination.
When James Cathcart founded the Young Voices Heard in 2016 he launched the Campaign4YouthRecognition to address the lack of national public recognition of exceptional young #youthvoice, and social action change-maker by calling on practitioners, staff, volunteers and other young people to submit a nomination to one of five of the most publicly recognisable UK wide awards (below). “There are lots of in-house awards, but few reach out to the public in a way that challenges negative stereo-types that persist, or will amplify an individuals ongoing contribution in public life as an equal” To encourage and inspire nominations to the Queens/Kings Honours he used the Young Voices Heard platform to publish and update a Youth Honours List of known recipients under the age of 30 since 2012 as a case study list. There are 73 known case studies on the list, many of them youth voice champions and leaders of youth-led initiatives or organisations that you will recognise, but also lots of other change-makers championing causes as individuals based on lived experience.
Kings Honours List (New Year and Birthday, all ages)
The Pride of Britain Awards (annual, all ages and televised!)
The Diana Awards (annual, age 9-25 nominations open in May)
The PM No 10 Point of Light Awards (all ages, published daily)
The British Youth Citizen Awards (annual, aged up to 18, ) and part of the British Citizen Awards. (established in 2016, James Cathcart is Ambassador) Currently accepting nomination until the end of August.
The Honours Team responsible for social care awards (DCMS) is calling for nominations for next summers Kings Birthday Honours 2026 to be submitted by 19th September 2025, particularly those from under-represented groups, here. You’ll need to write a detailed description explaining why you’re nominating them. Read the guidance on how to write a nomination. You’ll also need: your nominee’s name, age, address and contact details; details of relevant work or volunteering they’ve done; details of any awards or other recognition they’ve received; 2 supporting letters to back up your nomination – these should be from people who know the nominee personally. You can include any evidence you have of recognition your nominee has received for their achievements, for example articles, photos or letters. You can save your nomination and come back to it later.
⚡NYA call for organisations to register an “Expression of Interest to learn more about becoming an organisational member of the new National Youth Council” (to replace the British Youth Council)
SHOULD YOU REGISTER? IS THIS YOU? see below update in our Questions/Answers
The National Youth Agency’s next steps in their plans for the restoration of a replacement body for the British Youth Council (which closed in March 2024) include an invitation to organisations to register their EOI asap. They had previously facilitated a consultation process during 2024, resulting in a report (What the Future Holds) and recommendations published in March 2025. Their Young Consultants helped to design the process. Since then Lloyd Russell-Moyle (former MP and trustee of BYC) was appointed as a consultant to help deliver the follow up. A Youth Advisory Group and an Expert Advisory Group were recruited (both by invite or nomination, it’s not clear yet who they are) have been “working collaboratively between March and July 2025 to co-design a sustainable and inclusive infrastructure for the new Council.” NYA have now posted an update on their website including the invitation to ‘organisations’ across the UK to register an Expression of Interest to learning more about becoming an organisational member of the new National Youth Council. If your organisation is passionate about supporting young people to shape national decision-making, we encourage you to register your interest HERE and be a part of this exciting new chapter.”
Weve written to those leading this process for some more information and are still waiting for an update which we will add asap… but we would urge you to use the Register of Int form to at least get on their mailing list and use the space in the short form to ask any questions. Here is our response to some of the questions ..
Im not sure if we want to join, or if our group or organisation is eligible? At this stage there is no membership information – The old BYC has a range of small, local and large national orgs from a range of interests and memberships. All would have a quota of young delegates who were young voters at the Annual Council meeting, to which the secretariat/staff were accountable and who elected its national spokespeople and trustees. In its final years it had changed some of its membership criteria and how trustees were elected – to this is up for discussion. At this stage NYA is only asking for people to register their interest – to get more information and to have a say on shaping next steps.
We support the idea of a youth council but don’t have young people who represent their peers – should we register? The old BYC has space for supporting ‘Associate’ members who were non-voting but who paid a subscription to support the work.
Should I register an interest? If you were responsible for the annual renewal of your full (youth reps) or associate (supporter) membership to the British Youth Council or lead youthvoice at one of the following- local youth council, parliament, forum, uniformed group, faith org, political youth wing, campaign group, union, youth service, charity, funder, local, regional national…. anywhere in the UK… then “register your interest” to get information. From what we can tell it’s not a membership application, simply adding you to a potential membership information list. You could be a CEO, Youth Participation Lead, or you’re a leader or member of an existing or new group. It might be worth checking that you are not duplicating someone else, and it might be worth making sure someone-else is registering interest on your org’s behalf. If in doubt register as it’s likely this first wave of interest will help shape the next edition of our national youth voice framework! JC/ED)
“I’ve written to both Lloyd and NYA to clarify some of the above – and will update asap – but you could raise these question on the Registration of Interest Form as there is a space to do so. Ive also asked for for more information about the work and membership of the advisory groups but I expect they represent a range of experience and expertise from across the UK, and from former members or supporters. I’ve offered to help with my knowledge and experience as a former CEO of the British Youth Council – working in partnershis independently youth-led, representative and able to campaign on the key issues that matter to young people. Watch this space for updates.” JC/Ed
I’m expecting NYA will still host a meeting in November to consider draft proposals. This has previously been referred to as an “Annual Council Meeting”, though that implies that some sort of interim membership structure/constitution has been drafted to cover the terms of the ACM? Whatever the proposed arrangement with Government, the nations and other stakeholders – on issues such as governance, hosting, funding, independence, right to campaign, and international representation, the consequent pathway to independence will include several steps that will ultimately hand over authority and power to a youth-led structure, accountable, as before, to its young members, supported and backed by host organisations. (NYA have stated they have no long-term ambition to manage a National Youth Council)
The Government have so far not responded to the NYA’s call for core funding or responded to the report’s recommendations.We are still the only country in the Commonwealth or Europe not to have an official/Govt recognised Youth Council. Young Voices Heard have asked the DCMS Youth Strategy team if the role of a youth council and Govts commitment to meet with it regularly, are included in the Youth Strategy – a national listen to a national voice in meaningful dialogue. This would provide a focal point for next steps being facilitated by NYA. JC/Ed]
⚡Votes at 16 Watch
New Minister ? Its been two weeks since Rushanra Ali MP, who was responsible for introducing Votes at 16 legislation in the next term, resigned. Parliament is in recess but the Government business carries on. However some candidates may also be on holiday. The Ministerial role was ‘Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Homelessness and While the role of Building Safety Minister, which was part of Ali’s wider portfolio, has been filled by Alex Norris MP, the key ministerial position for homelessness and democracy remains vacant at this time (18th Aug). The role was “Rough Sleeping at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government” – no mention of democracy reform in the title. However it was one of the roles responsibilities. Ali had a track record of supporting young people and had made herself available to meet young campaigners and was committed to working alongside the youth in democracy sector on plans for legislation and roll out. She was familiar with the youth sector having founded the youth leadership charity “Uprising”.
However, a new Minister is more likely to be someone with a history or experience of housing issues.
Who are the likely candidates?
Jas Athwal MP, (Ilford South 2024), a former leader of Redbridge Council will be well-versed in the practical challenges of housing, a key part of the ministerial brief. His experience running a large London borough, where housing and homelessness are major issues, is seen as a significant qualification.
Danny Beales MP, (Uxbridge and South Ruislip 2024) a former councillor, was formerly a Cabinet Member for New Homes, Jobs, and Community in Camden. This direct experience in developing new housing and tackling local homelessness issues makes him a likely choice to continue the work on the housing and rough sleeping agenda. He experienced homelessness twice as a young person.
Of course ministerial appointments are made for a range of reasons. Whoever is appointed will need to get up to speed to prepare for a public and parliamentary challenge of getting this legislation over the line. The various youth-led campaigner groups will need to re-engage quickly to ensure their calls for democracy education and associated preparation are heeded, and to respond to public and media criticism of one of the Labour Party GE Manifesto’s least popular commitments. Ed]
⚡What is Tokenisn in Youth Voice – and can we always avoid it?”
A ‘must read’ article reminding us all of the dangers of tokenism, which is still very much a feature of the boom in #youthvoice and participation across the UK when anyone can say – “young people are at the centre of what we do”, “young people are shaping”, “young people in the led” when they aren’t because there is no obligation to evidence these claims or way for their integrity to be tested. This joint blog by Anna Waldie and Eden Byrne (Young Ambassador) arising from their work as participants in the ‘Centre For Youth Voice’ initiative, which is relaunching this September. Read on …
What is tokenism in youth voice – and can we always avoid it?
⚡International Interview on youth civic engagement – USA
Circle is USA based organisation: The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) has spent more than two decades researching barriers within youth civic engagement. In this interview piece with CIRLE’s Communications Manager Alberto Medina explains that CIRCLE is a “research-to-action centre” as their goal is to do research on youth civic engagement in partnership with other organizations that look to change K-12 civic education or change how young people consume media. Read it here: CIRCLE Pushes To Close Gaps in Youth Civic Engagement Through Research and Partnerships – The Fulcrum
YouthVoice Newsletters
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES – Editors pick…Youth Opportunities 18th August edition | LinkedIn “for young people, curated by young people”. Below is just a selection of opportunities that relate to #youthvoice Advisory Board roles – but check out the full issue for lots more – and subscribe! and Find even more opportunities on the Youth Opportunities website → youthopportunities.co.uk
Who Cares? Scotland invites Care Experienced people aged 16+ to join the Empowered Voices Programme, offering training in campaigning, public speaking, and activism over three weekends (Sept 6-8, Nov 22-24, 2024, and Feb 7-9, 2025) in Edinburgh and Stirling. Travel, accommodation, and meals are covered. Participants gain skills, confidence, and opportunities to influence change. To apply, be a Care Experienced member (or join), reliable, and committed. Apply asap.
Survey
GYBN UK, the national chapter of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network, is inviting young people aged 11–35 to share their views on nature through the UK Youth Vision and Priorities survey.The survey aims to capture youth perspectives to inform policy engagement, ensuring decision-makers hear what young people want for the future of nature. Responses will help shape biodiversity policy at national and global levels, with GYBN UK representing youth voices in forums such as COPs and UK negotiations. No closing date mentioned.
Advisory Boards -YVH picks..
⚡ Mental Health Innovations the charity powering Shout and the Mix is seeking seven young people (under 25) to join its Youth Advisory Board, representing youth voices in mental health charity decisions. Members work with senior leaders to shape strategy, attend virtual meetings, and advocate for young people’s needs. No experience needed; training and mentoring provided. This voluntary, two-year role helps build leadership skills and offers networking opportunities. Apply by 25th August.
⚡Ingeus is seeking passionate young people aged 16–25 to join as Regional Youth Voice Ambassadors. This dynamic team works alongside National Youth Voice Ambassadors to influence change, ensure Ingeus services remain youth-friendly, and represent young people’s views across design, delivery, policy, and practice. Ambassadors will attend meetings and events, provide feedback, engage peers, and gain skills through training and job shadowing. By joining, you’ll have a platform to use your voice, shape services, and help drive positive change for young people nationwide. Apply as soon as possible Here. Our Services | Employment, Skills, Justice, Health | Ingeus
https://forms.microsoft.com/e/tsvydLPHZ
- There is no closing date, we will be interviewing as they apply and soon as we have our 12 successful young people in post that’s when they close.
- This is a voluntary role, but they will be provided with training opportunities, all expenses are paid (Travel/food at all events they attend) and vouchers are occasionally given out as well.
- Time Commitment – 12 Month term ( Minimum requirements is a 1 virtual call a month no longer than 45 minutes, Face to face meeting every 3 months) There will be additional opportunities in between this but all projects are option they don’t have to do everything.
⚡Coram Voice is seeking care-experienced young people (16–25) to join its Youth Advisory Board for 18 months (with possible extension). Members will help shape plans, join projects, and meet with managers and trustees through monthly online meetings, four in-person London meetings a year, and training. Support and expenses for travel/accommodation are provided. Voluntary role. Details Here – apply by 12 September 2025.
⚡Join the Electoral Commission’s Youth Voice Network for Scotland and help shape the future of democracy. If you’re aged 12 to 18, live in Scotland and are keen to find out more then download our information sheet. You’ll meet (online and in-person) around four times a year to share views, create resources, and contribute to national campaigns on voting. Recruitment is open from June to September 2025. Learn more and apply here. by end of Sept 25
⚡FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES for youth-led initiatives/England/age 25 and under
⚡Challenge & Change: Funding for Youthled change – Blagrave Trust [YVH recommended] £10,000 each for 38 changemakers.
Applications are officially OPEN… but wait – what is Challenge and Change tho? Young people are already organising, resisting, repairing and building — but too often, they’re underfunded. Challenge and Change is here to back you. £10,000 grants | 12 months | 38 changemakers | | Click this link for full details and how to apply: https://lnkd.in/eSDWKYm6 ➡️ Follow Challenge and Change on IG to not miss out on a thing: https://lnkd.in/es9fk2Jn Apply by Sunday 14th Sept Challenge and Change is for you if:
• You’re 18–25 years old and living in England
• You’re using your lived experience to lead change
• You’re an individual, or part of a collective or movement
• You’re already involved in social justice work but lack resources
• You’re ready to create the change you want to see and want to create positive lasting impact
⚡YouthBank International: Posts | LinkedIn – funding for youthled groups England. Aged 16-25 – part of a Self Led group? Support package and £3000 for your local YouthBank.
We are calling all youth-led groups from England 🏴 Win our YouthBank GO! Package training and up to 3,000£ grants for your YouthBank fund! Apply by 26th September
✅ You run a real fund that invests in young people’s ideas
✅ You lead with purpose, not just participate
✅ You build in-demand leadership skills
✅ You create a visible impact in your community & beyond
✅ You leave a legacy of youth-powered change
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
Top Pick – Tips⚡
For other YVH recommended resources go to the http://www.YoungVoiceHeard.org.uk main website / RESOURCES, or browse back issues of #YouthVoiceNews