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#YouthVoiceNews: Bitesize, 11th February

Editor

Welcome to #YouthVoice News & Opportunities – your regular roundup from the world of youthvoice, participation, and influence ⭐Quote of the week   “Meaningful youth participation has never been just about how many voices speak, it’s about which voices are heard, how they are listened to, and what happens as a result” Esther Horner ⭐Read more in Recommended Reads.   PLUS….

#YouthVoiceNews is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer. Join 600+ and subscribe to get this free Newsletter via LinkedIn here. (& access back issues)

NEWS

⭐New Local Youth Voice research by YMCA – The State of Play report into youth services asked LAs (Eng/Wales) were engaging youthvoice: “Of the local authorities that responded to a FOI request, five out of six (85%) had consulted young people on youth provision in the last four years [how frequently / recently? Ed] , similar to the amount in 2023-24 (84%): Surveys (79%), followed by Youth Councils (41%) and visits to youth groups (38%).

👀 Youth Strategy Watch – Local Youth Voice: The Govts new Youth Strategy on youth voice that states ” We want local authorities to go further in creating policy for young people, with young people” and states that the Govt (DCMS) will “1/ introduce a new, clear expectation that local areas in receipt of youth funding should be able to clearly demonstrate strong partnership working with young people … where this expectation is not met, we will seek alternative local delivery partners; 2/ provide tools, guidance, and funding for local authorities to assess and improve the services currently available to young people, guided by young people’s views; 3/ establish new Youth Councils across England…; 4/start a ‘test and learn’ project to understand the best ways young people can influence funding decisions at a local level…”. Action 9 – Youth Strategy DCMS   Also scroll down to Opportunities for mobilise youth youthvoice locally at @iwill Seen and Heard Events.

⭐Why a Youth Council “matters so much” – As 200+ new members prepare for a Spring launch Esther Horner writing on LinkedIn, passionately underlines the inclusivity and purpose of the new youth council – “It’s a space where one voice connects with another, and another, building collective purpose and strengthening young people’s influence on the decisions that affect their lives….Meaningful youth participation has never been just about how many voices speak, it’s about which voices are heard, how they are listened to, and what happens as a result” Recommended Read ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Nominations and elections to YCUK ‘youth-led’ governing body are underway. For more information about YCUK click here or to find out if your organisation is a member or how to get involved as a young leader/rep/campaigner contact ycuk@nya.org.uk]

⚡Votesat16Watch: CALL FOR EVIDENCE DEADLINE

⚡Call for Evidence on preparing yp to vote/ APPG for Schools, Learning and Assessment inquiry into how schools can enable young people to feel empowered and enfranchised in anticipation of the introduction of votes at 16. They will also be hosting oral evidence sessions to further explore the topic. The deadline for submitting written evidence is Friday 27th February 2026.

⚡MP warns Social Media ban consultation must factor in Votes at 16 and be compatible. Readmore (source PoliticsHome)

⚡Why voting is not like drinking or smoking – Electoral Reform Society. (Voting does you no harm). A fresh argument in the debate on votes at 16 . Be prepared for lots of media attention – for and against. Read More 

⭐Embedding Youth Voice at the National Lottery Community Fund – Recommended Read and Listen (Post & Podcast!)  Joe Rich (Head of Youth Voice), Tia (former Youth Voice Advisor and now member of UK Fund Panel) and Loren member of Young People in the Lead Advisory Panel) and on how youthvoice has been embedded into the work of the National Lottery Fund – as advisors, decision-makers and partners in shaping change. Podcast co-produced by Be The Change – Interviewer @LilyMott.Recommended Read and Watch.

⚡Government Guidance on Youth Voice In Government Policy Making reissued – Guidance developed by DCMS to help policy officials involve young people aged 11 to 18 and sometimes up to the age of 25 (depending on the specific types of opportunity and group being engaged) in policymaking. Read more here. First issued in 2023, this update was published last week 29/1/26, as three documents: Getting ready to involve young people in policy, How to work with young people in policy, and  Methods for engaging young people. They were co-created with young people, government departments and youth sector organisations. It includes a call to be aware and listen to new issues on yp’s agenda, as well as informing and influencing the Governments. [YVH has called for new Duty to Consult yp on policies and proposed legislation affecting them. Are we are possibly edging towards a set of min standards on how to do this and could voluntary sector follow suit? Ed/JC]

More Recommended Reads you may have missed last month : Editor’s pick from #youthvoice influencers/commentators on LinkedIn.

⭐Samuel Remi-Akinwale ; Profile spotlight on Young Manchester’s youngest CEO of this exceptional youth-led charity, talking to Brabners. At just 25, Samuel leads a partnership of 160+ organisations built on a simple belief: real change happens when young people govern, not just advise.
Last year, his team gave 113 young people direct control over £230,000 in local funding. They questioned, debated and decided where the money went. For Samuel, “agency is a strategic asset.” Read the article here.

⭐Jordan Ignatius – on the Voice of the Child Conference and how we must make sure  ‘youthvoice’ is not just a buzzword “Let’s be clear, listening to children and young people ISN’T the work… Acting on what they say is”. Read more

⭐Rylie Sweeney – “Young people and youth organisations are present at the point where decisions are made. In many places, they hold formal voting rights. Youth insight does not feed into the system from the outside; it is embedded within local governance itself” – youthvoice champion and policy advisor, on how Germany embeds youth voice in Government policy making.  Read more

⭐Kirsty Young  – Senior Lecturer, Sydney, Aus. Latest research on the inclusivity of youth advisory boards. Are they? Whose missing?  Read more

OPPORTUNITIES to “mobilise your youthvoice”

YOUTH VOICE OPPORTUNITIES

Seen and Heard Events: Young people shaped the National Youth Strategy. Now it’s time to shape what it looks like locally. Seen & Heard events are taking place across England, creating space for young people to come together with local decision-makers to turn Youth Matters into action on the ground. These youth-led sessions are facilitated by young people involved in the #iWill Movement and are open to young people aged 21 and under (up to 25 with SEND), with accompanying adults welcome. 👉 Find an event and sign up via our Youth Matters events page: https://lnkd.in/eSKk23zP    Read More 

⚡Youth Voice Event – East & East Midlands 📢 📅 Monday 16 February | ⏰ 10:30am–4:00pm
📍 Mansfield Folk House, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The East & East Midlands Regional Youth Work Unit is hosting a Youth Voice Event and we’re calling on young people from across the East Midlands and the youth workers who support them to take part. This free event will bring young people together to share experiences, build confidence, and influence the future of youth services. More info.

⚡Youth Council UK –  electorate/delegates  Over 170+ founder members have been sent election packs on how to nominate candidates to the Youth Councils new interim Management Board. These will be voted on by young delegates (aged up to/inc 25) chosen / selected / elected by each founder member according to size. Info about the size of the committee, electorate, the deadlines are not public yet (members only) but if you want to be a delegate/voter then ask your youth organisation if they are mems, and how they will be selecting nominations/voting delegates asap. To find out if your org is a member/more info – contact ycuk@nya.org.uk

⚡Economist Education Foundation – Votes at 16+ Have Your Say Survey “We want to hear from as many UK-based 11–18-year-olds as possible.

Do the young people in your life have an opinion on lowering the voting age? Help us get their views on the map by sharing this quick, anonymous survey. Their anonymous responses will feed into a national “Vote Confident” report, helping to amplify young people’s voices in the debate around votes at 16.🗓️ Survey open: 26 Jan – 13 Feb🔗 Take part here: https://lnkd.in/eyTHfBeq Please share this survey, build it into assembly, form time or lessons, and encourage colleagues and parents in your network to do the same. Need ready-made assembly or form-time slides to start discussions about what young people need to vote confidently? 📩 Email foundationteam@economist.com.

Health: Age 7-25+ Have you say to prioritise what area of health decision-makers in the NHS should prioritise by casting your vote (link below) for either 1. “Support for your Physical Health”, 2. “Support for you Emotional Health & Wellbeing”, 3. “Support to feel confident and ready to manage booking your appointments, get your prescriptions or visit health services on your own”, OR 4.”Giving your ideas & getting involved in shaping health services to meet your needs” More details online including access to a symbols ballot, online ballot form, a presentation to use with groups and details of next steps and further background to the project. Any questions or queries on this element please email allison.guiton@rcpch.ac.uk  Deadline 15th Feb 

⚡Youth Futures Foundation is recruiting 18-24 yr-olds who have faced challenges when trying to get or keep a job, and as Future Voice Ambassadors, want to help change the system for young people?  £14.80 / hour! Info about Future Voice here. and this opportunity, including the link to the Application Pack . The deadline to apply is Sunday 22nd February 2026.  Plus read this blog: Five Reasons to Join the Future Voices Group.

⚡Another Way – (climate charity) recruiting an Advisory Board (paid £15/hr, quarterly meetings/mentor support): age 15-25? Step inside the running on an environmental charity, gain knowledge and transferable skills in governance and decision-making, be a voice for young people as we face the challenge of climate change? Deadline 27th Feb. Full details: here 

⚡Kids in Museums remote volunteering opp for ages 16-25 🚨”We’re looking for six young people who are passionate about heritage and culture to join the Kids in Museums Youth Panel. We especially want to hear from• Young people from global majority and working-class backgrounds • D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young people • Anyone based in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales Deadline: 5pm, Friday 13 February” Find out more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eJjmnHty

⚡Trustee positions – Interested in becoming a trustee? Only 3% of trustees are under the age of 30. Find under-30-friendly trustee boards through the Young Trustees Movement

If you have a #youthvoice opportunity coming up, drop us a line info@youngvoicesheard.org.uk

SUPPORTERS OPPORTUNITIES

⚡SparkSpace is finally here! After months of co-creation with children and young people, Libraries Rising are excited to launch SparkSpace, a training platform designed to help library teams meaningfully engage and empower young people. Built in partnership with Participation People, SparkSpace is packed with practical tools, interactive learning modules, and resources to give library staff and volunteers the confidence to create spaces where young people feel understood, empowered and inspired. Thanks to legacy funding from the Foyle Foundation, SparkSpace is free and open to anyone! Access the training now: https://lnkd.in/eKdFrAvz. Connect&Watch the video here.

⚡The Politics Project – Exploring Elections:  helps you support young people to engage confidently with upcoming elections in England. We’ll cover practical ways to start conversations about voting, how to discuss issues important to your area, and guide young people through registering to vote. With local elections taking place across the country in May 2026, this training is ideal for youth practitioners preparing first-time voters for the elections ahead. We are running this training twice for youth practitioners, all online. Please sign up to the session most convenient to you: Youth Practitioners: Wednesday 25th Feb, 1.00 -2:30 pm, sign up here  |Tuesday 10th March, 11-12:30, sign up here 

⚡Centre for Youth Voice: Free Training and Events timetable

February 24th – Community of Practice: Evidencing Impact and Change of Youth Voice: We’re bringing organisations together to look at how we collectively evidence the impact of youth voice.

Multiple dates – Involving Young People in Services: Professor Kaz Stuart is delivering three training sessions around creating opportunities, supporting, and evaluating young people’s involvement in services

Multiple dates – Peer Research Toolkit Training: Based on the toolkit, we are delivering 90-minute training sessions on different aspects of the peer research approach, with presentations and Q&As.

The Centre for Youth Voice is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and delivered by the Network of Regional Youth Work Units. Note: Publications/Resources are on the opening page and scroll down :).

⚡ REVIEW: Peer Research Toolkit Training: Intro to Peer Research⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

⚡ The Centre for Youth Voice is running a series of eight free one-hour recorded “lectures” (dates and booking details below)  on the Centre’s recently launched toolkit resource. This review is based on attending the first session.

“I attended the introduction module, the first in a series of eight between January and April 2026. Presenter Matthew Walsham delivered a well-paced and thorough talk referencing a series of slides which had just enough text, engaging graphics, and sources to follow up. I particularly liked the combination of his talking head in front of the slides – as if in a lecture theatre. If you missed anything or want to study them in detail you can browse and pause the recorded versions of the sessions, which are due to be circulated. I was particularly impressed with the section that explained the choice and scope of youthvoice theories, which neatly placed the role of peer researchers into context to help you decide who, where and when to deploy this methodology. There was also time for Q&As at the end. The rest of the course promised to cover everything from budgeting to impact, and if the sessions are of the same quality as the introduction, I would say it’s time well spent checking them out! ” James Cathcart.

RESOURCES:

⚡Democracy Classroom election resources: The @ElectoralCommUK, @SeneddWales and @childcomwales have just released some new resources to support schools to engage with the 2026 Senedd elections. To download, and to access a whole host of Wales-specific support, head DC’s Senedd Elections Hub: democracyclassroom.com/senedd-electio

⚡Involving Young People: A Toolkit for Peer Research- free, produced by the Centre for Youth Voice, 2025. See Opportunities for training dates. Intro and link to download here. “Too often in the past, research in the youth sector has traditionally been done on young people, treating them as subjects to be studied. However, a growing consensus, across a range of sectors, recognises that young people are often the best-placed experts to investigate the issues affecting their lives”

⚡Shout Out UK LONDON – Newsletter/Resource: #NoVoteNoVoice is the GLA Civic & Democratic Participation Programme. Read Newsletter here to access: Political literacy resources, Events update and Ways to stay connected all year round.

⚡Resource/ Training – Gamifying Democracy, The Politics Project – “This training is ideal for youth practitioners and teachers looking for meaningful, practical, and enjoyable ways to bring politics to life with young people. In this training, we’ll share games and activities you can use in youth settings to start conversations about politics and democracy. Designed for group settings in informal spaces, youth clubs, and classrooms, these games help young people explore their power, voice and their ideas for change. The easy-to-use games we’ll share in the training are specifically designed to support young people to explore their power and agency, their ideas and opinions about local, national and global topics, and their emotions towards politics and politicians. We are running this training three times, all online. Sign up asap: Wednesday, February 18th, 1-2.30pm]

Youth (Voice) Strategy Watch: DCMS Youth Team Newsletter/January 2026: Packed with news about DCMS-supported initiatives and resources, including #youthvoice impact and opportunities. CONTENTS include: Youth Strategy roadshow – links to share with young people to register/attend Youth Strategy presentations; (also ones for “professionals”); presentation slides & toolkit; Erasmus+ news; AND a link where you can sign up direct to the Newsletter. Read here

Spotlight: The National Lottery Community Fund: developing its approach to Youth Voice 28/1/26, “From decision-making to culture change” Youth Voice has shaped how the National Lottery Community Fund has operated for many years. Joe Rich,  Head of Youth Voice, shares their approach, why culture change matters as much as decision-making, and how young people influence funding, governance and ways of working.  Read More  [Recommended Read/Ed]

For other YVH recommended resources, go to the www.YoungVoiceHeard.org.uk main website / RESOURCES.

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