“Alienated, ignored—and stuck at home with mum and dad. Young adults are locked out from the future they’re ready to shape”. In this insightful analysis of several pieces of research and polling into what ‘young people’ think, Marie Le Conte is YVNews Recommended Read of the week ….⬇️

Also in your YOUTHVOICENEWS and DIGEST..

⭐NEW Govt consultation on Youth Voice ‘Empowerment’ programmes open – be quick!
⭐CYPN Conference on Youth Matters – youthvoiceheard?
⭐EU hosts conference on Children/YP participation in Dublin – UK missing out?
⭐DCMS & CABINET OFFICE sign #PowerofYouthCharter – promises? action?
⭐£5m investment in Votes at 16 Research PhDs – how does that compare with delivery budgets?
⭐Children’s Commissioner (Eng)survey reached 600,000 – they want to be listened to!
👀RECOMMENDED READS/GOOD PRACTICE/CASE STUDIES/ SPOTLIGHTS @NationalChildrenBureau, Durham County Council, Devon Youth Voice Awards, PartnershipForYoungLondon
💡OPPORTUNITIES 📢HAVE YOUR SAY- for all ages, includes advisory groups/ consultations/surveys
UK YouthParliament.. NUS Schools…
🎁RESOURCE/GOOD PRACTICE – Youth Voice Standards in Organisations, 10 Steps
🎁RESOURCES – Editor’s pick

Question of the Week? Do you know the difference between Civic and Democratic Participation? Answer below…

“YouthVoice News & Opportunities Digest” is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer. Join over 810 (LinkedIn and Website) stakeholders, practitioners, and young leaders who have signed up to get this free newsletter (LinkedIn or Website) sent directly by email. Subscribe and view previous issues via LinkedIn here. Please ‘Tag’ us to your posts #YouthVoiceNews, so we can highlight and share your youthvoice work. (There is a small charge for commercial adverts)

NEWS | 23nd July – 6th August| DIGEST

Seen and Heard (England): Government launches consultation of young people aged 10-21 and organisations, to help shape the future of Youth Empowerment Programmes with young people

The DCMS Youth Team wants to hear from young people and organisations across England to understand “the role of youth services and young people themselves” in increasing young people’s involvement in democracy and decision-making. This follows the publication of Youth Matters national strategy and the upcoming Votes at 16 legislation. They are “keen to hear from a diverse range of voices, particularly those who are currently under-represented in these programmes. The result of this will directly inform our policy development in this area. Share this survey for young people through your networks so that as many as possible can take part; and/or “run a discussion with young people using our Discussion Guide Toolkit and accompanying workshop slides“. Please send feedback or any questions to youth-be-seen-and-heard@dcms.gov.uk by 30 August 2026.”

Comment: The Youth Strategy promised to continue to listen to young people on its policy development as well as shape the roll out of the Strategy itself. This would include youth participation in the development and design of several Youth Strategy initiatives/grant programmes, more support for local youth councils, and an annual scrutiny event/process on the Strategy itself – “holding us to account”. This consultation is the next step in this process – and will probably inform developments on the future of the UK Youth Parliament (currently a limited DCMS tender at NYA) and whether they announce any tailored youth voice support services, such as those previously contracted, to the former British Youth Council. The new consultation toolkit, discussion guide and survey questions reveal what DCMS has in mind when it refers to democratic participation and is presumably working closely with its colleagues at the Electoral Commission and other Government departments at the Dept for Education and those managing the Votesat16 legislation preparation/roll out. Indeed – every Government Department where young people have a view on the Government policy areas that affect them or they care about nationally, locally, or regionally. I don’t see any reference to a collective national voice role – such as a National Youth Council in coordinating national campaigning or structured dialogue with Government departments. Since the closure of the British Youth Council in 2024, there has been no single independent youth-led voice. The new Youth Council UK (also at NYA) is still in development and yet to announce its membership and priority policy areas. Will the Government continue instead with direct engagement through a network of youth voice brokers (eg the Youth Strategy contracts with iwillMovement and My Life My Say) and invited Youth Advisory Groups, and surveys? Will schools have a greater role? Have your say BY THE END OF AUGUST!

⭐ “Turning national strategy into lasting change” hosted by Children Young People Now – November Conference in London 12/11/26 Read More/Book The Youth Matters strategy promises to strengthen youth services and the workforce and deliver much-needed provision for young people. But how do we ensure new support and services are available to all – including those young people who often find it harder to access the help they need? This all-day conference will close with a panel debate exploring 1/ The challenges in ensuring the most vulnerable benefit from the strategy’s aims 2/ Whether there is sufficient funding to deliver the strategy’s ambitions 3/ The vital role young people will play in ensuring national measures deliver change in local communities. Speakers: James Cathcart, Director Young Voices Heard | Jacob Diggle, Chief Impact Officer, UK Youth | Ebinehita Iyere Founder and Director, Milk Honey Bees | Molly Taylor Co-Chair, iWill Movement | Henry Hughes Deaflympian and Co-Chair iWill Movement

[Comment “I’m very much looking forward to this opportunity to share a platform with youthvoice champions Molly and Henry of the #iwillMovement, as we explore the challenges of inclusion in the context of the Government’s commitment to youth voice being heard in the development and delivery of the strategy and a mechanism for young people to hold the Government to account one year on…. JC/Ed]

⭐EU Presidency High-Level Conference “Listening to Children and Young People – Challenges in Challenging Settings” in Dublin. This was the first ever High-Level Conference dedicated to the participation of children and young people as part of an EU Presidency. Guided by the belief that children and young people are citizens of today, not just adults of tomorrow, this Conference marks the importance of participation and the right of children and young people to be treated equally and to thrive. Read More

“How do we move from listening to young people to ensuring they influence the decisions that affect their lives? That was the focus of Dermot O’Brien’s session, where he introduced NYCI’s Youth Participation and Empowerment Deck, a practical tool that helps young people, youth workers and educators explore participation, shared decision-making and influence. The session drew on the wider work of NYCI Young Voices, which creates opportunities for young people to shape policy in Ireland and across Europe through the EU Youth Dialogue. “Meaningful participation is about more than giving young people a chance to speak. It means supporting them to influence decisions, showing how their views have been considered and involving them throughout the process.” Read More

Comment: Is the UK getting left behind and missing out on sharing with colleagues across Europe? There are UK-Euro and international relationships and influence, for example the Northern Ireland gateway to Ireland and EU, such as the work of @LauraLundys (based in Belfast) and her children’s participation rights model. However, the disparate elements across the UK would benefit from more mutual exchange, as well as European and international exposure. Many ‘talk’ about collaboration … and Im very much looking forward to seeing that translate into action – with more national events on youth voice, participation and influence across society, not just the youth sector. Better still – more funder/young leader partnerships to create exclusive spaces for young people to access – to ensure their needs are met and their independent perspectives and agendas develop with collective agency. JCEd

DCMS Minister Stephanie Peacock MP signs #PowerofYouth Charter confirming Government’s commitment to youth voice being heard and holding Govt to account... We will “give young people opportunities to hold the government to account on the ‘National Youth Strategy – Youth Matters’ through 1/ an Annual Hearing; 2/ Involve young people in grant-making or recruitment panels that relate to Youth Matters; and 3/ Invite young people to speak at DCMS events so they can share their experiences directly with Ministers, staff and other partners”. (NEWS – The Cabinet Office joins DCMS as the second department to have signed the Charter)

Comment: Looking forward to seeing how the annual accountability mechanism works. When YVNews asked DCMS about this earlier this year, it was told that young people were being consulted on how best to do this. Which young people were asked? Will it be a resourced panel, set up by invitation (like the Youth Strategy Youth Advisory Group) or recruitment by application or election? Will it be an independent panel, managed and including people from orgs not involved in its delivery? Will they get training and preparation, paid for their time ? .. and when calling for evidence of impact and delivery, will it be able to ask questions or simply review a report? Parliament scrutinises government through a system of Select Committees that shadow Government departments s0 perhaps a special Youth Select Committee, meeting in public, taking evidence and publishing its own report, would be the best way to ensure proper scrutiny to the same standard. JC/Ed

⭐DCMS Youth Team Newsletter – Read Here: Lisa Nany and Stephanie Peacock keep roles; New Director for Civil Society and Youth – Ben Jupp; Digital reintegrated back into department’s responsibilities. DCMS Signs #iwillMovement Charter Plus – lots of updates and news about the Youth Strategy roll out. See News item for Youth Voice being heard….. next steps.

👀Royal Holloway University lands major funding for V16 PhD Research “We’re excited to share that we’ve been awarded a £5 million Leverhulme Centenary Doctoral Scholarship grant from The Leverhulme Trust to fund its ‘Next Generation Democracy’ doctoral programme. The programme will fund the training of up to 30 PhD scholars to investigate how 16- and 17-year-olds will shape, and be shaped, by UK democracy. Read more: https://ow.ly/voix50ZuWrS

Comment – At £5m this is double the Government’s Democratic Engagement Fund of £2.5m) Looking forward to seeing how much of a budget the Government will allocate to schools and other civil society organisations in preparing young people to vote by introducing measures (not projects) as recommended by the Democracy Classroom network, such as training for citizenship teachers, …. check out. A-Roadmap-to-Votes-at-16.pdf

⚡Reflecting on The Big Future so far | Children’s Commissioner for England Rachel De Zouza reflects on the finding of 600,00 replies so far to her BIG survey of children. “Children are ambitious. They want to be heard, they want change. But the first stop is simple: we need to listen. I’ve been reflecting on what children have told us so far and why their voices must be at the heart of decisions that affect them. Over the coming months, I will be sharing what children have told me through The Big Future with Ministers, parliamentarians and decision-makers. Young people’s views will help shape recommendations to government on the issues that matter most to children, from education and mental health to housing, online safety, play and opportunities for the future. Read More..

GOOD PRACTICE SPOTLIGHT/RECOMMENDED READS/LISTENS/WATCH

⚡Listen now to the latest episode of the National Children’s Bureau’s youth-led podcast #OurTurntoTalk! All episodes are developed and directed by young people, discussing issues that matter to them. In this episode, Young NCB members discuss:

– Why the social media ban is an important issue for children and young people to discuss.
– The challenges and risks associated with social media use, and if a ban is the solution to this.
– Alternatives to a social media ban and the changes the group would like to see improve online safety.
– Why it’s important for young people to have their voices heard, and how they can get involved in shaping decisions that affect them. Read More and Listen

⚡Durham Big Debate -Year 5 students (aged 9 & 10) from across the county annual debate hones skills – your youth voice journey starts here. Organised by Durham County Council, this event facilitates the start of the youthvoice journey for many. Whilst ‘youth participation’ activities are sometimes criticised for being tokenistic or there is merit in developing youthvoice skills at this age, giving an opportunity to practice reasoned argument and critical thinking through debate. As the convening council, the Youth-led conversation included: Mental health in schools, Social media bans, The ethics of AI and the future of local spaces. (click link for results) At this event, pupils also got “the chance to learn about local government in a question and answer session with Cllr Cathy Hunt, Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, and Cllr Joe Quinn, Cabinet member for planning, investments, and assets. Councillor Hunt affirmed the County’s commitment to the Big Debate place going forward. “Its legacy of nurturing the young voices of County Durham will continue for years to come. As the newly elected Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for County Durham, 14-year-old Makayla Harwood put it “The skills you learn today and the memories you make here will last a lifetime. Change does not start when you turn 18. It starts right now, in this room, with your voices.” Read More

Comment: This is just one example of young people being supported to practice their ‘youthvoice’ skills. The old British Youth Council used to run a number of courses and residentials to develop debating skills, putting, campaigning and media skills, social action and youth leadership, in preparation for taking their “youthvoice to power”. Whilst much of the current focus is getting the participation and decision-making spaces to be more effective – I’d love to see more investment in preparation and training that aims to empower young people to learn and practice a variety of roles, empowering them to be effective in those spaces, widening inclusion, rather than just creating opportunities for those already gifted and articulate. Alongside this, of course, we need to also work with and challenge those on the other side of the table (audiences) on listening, hearing and feeding back on how young voices are heard – not in competition – but in structured dialogue for mutual benefit. JC/Ed

⚡Devon Youth Voice Awards: Young people from across Devon have been recognised for their role in shaping council services and improving opportunities for their peers. “The annual awards recognise the contributions of young people involved in participation groups, including Devon Youth Council, the SEND Network for Change, and groups for care-experienced young people”. Read More

⚡Partnership for Young London launches co-produced Manifesto 2026–2029 features ongoing participation policy
Youth work charity network for London, a long-standing youthvoice champion, ‘manifesto’ is developed with staff, trustees and young people. One of its three core objectives (Connect, Develop, and Influence) represents a strategic commitment to not only ‘connect’ the sector, ‘develop’ the workforce, but also “ensures young people’s voices inform the policy and practice that affects their lives”. Reviewed and updated quarterly, it’s an exemplar of good practice that responds to changing needs and wider context. “With young people making up over 25% of London’s population, our manifesto sets out how we will work to ensure they are meaningfully included in the policy and practice that shapes their futures”. Read More/Link

[Comment: “I particularly like the quarterly review that will ensure youth voice is regularly part of policy development that is not only empowered but supported with advocacy and amplification – principles valued by Young Voices Heard. JC/ED]

⚡YOUNG TRUSTEE MOVEMENT

The Young Trustees Movement is now posting weekly notifications of young trustee vacancies. Follow their LinkedIn posts directly every week. (Here is this week’s) Explore roles and more on their website: If your organisation is looking to bring more young voices into leadership/decision-making, visit our website or email hello@youngtrusteesmovement.org.

If you have a YouthVoice newsletter with free opportunities or information – get in touch! Info@youngvoicesheard.org.uk

⚡VOTES AT 16 WATCH

👀Royal Holloway University lands major funding for V16 Phd Research “We’re excited to share that we’ve been awarded a £5million Leverhulme Centenary Doctoral Scholarship grant from The Leverhulme Trust to fund its ‘Next Generation Democracy’ doctoral programme. The programme will fund the training of up to 30 PhD scholars to investigate how 16 and 17-year-olds will shape, and be shaped, by UK democracy. Read more: https://ow.ly/voix50ZuWrS

👀Votesat16Watch is a rolling news page – a summary of the latest stories, events and research since July 2025. In addition, there is a timeline history of the Votes at 16 campaign activities, including milestone events in parliaments in the UK and around the world. Timeline/Resources

YOUTH VOICE OPPORTUNITIES “mobilise your youthvoice”

[Note – all opps are based on info from hosting organisations. We endeavour to include accurate age range, dates and deadlines – but for up-to-date info, check with the organisers. Ed]

RECOGNITION

Global Youth Awards Nominations open, free to enter, 11-15 years – Closing date 1 September 2026. One of the categories is Empowering Everyone, so ideal for youth voice and influence. Organised by UK-based charity the Legacy Project and judged exclusively by a young judges panel. “The Awards celebrate outstanding young people aged 11–25 who are creating positive social and environmental impact through leadership, creativity, education, wellbeing, sustainability, community action, innovation, and advocacy. This year’s Awards will be delivered entirely online, allowing us to recognise and celebrate young changemakers from around the world throughout November with digital winner announcements, interviews, and spotlight features. We warmly invite you to nominate inspiring young people within your own networks. All the judges are aged between 11-25. Nominate a Young Changemaker

HAVE YOUR SAY SURVEYS

⚡UK Youth Parliament @ NYA – Annual Conference: National Campaign Issues Survey If you’re under 18 and live in the UK. There are 20 motions covering a wide range of issues affecting young people. All you need to do is:✅ Read the motions✅ Vote for the 3 issues that matter most to you. The three most popular motions will be debated by Members of Youth Parliament at the UK Youth Parliament Annual Conference, where they’ll choose one national campaign for the year ahead. You don’t need to be involved in politics or be a Member of Youth Parlt. Voting closes: 14 August 2026 👉 Take part here: https://wkf.ms/4vTlpgc [Source: Youth Focus SW]

⚡The Big Future survey – Children’s Commissioner (England) consultation of 1 million. Age – up to 18. Deadline Friday 23 October 2026. What changes do you want to see in your communities? What are your biggest concerns and hopes for the future? What do you think a good childhood should look like, now and in the future?” Read More Here, (include guidance and survey link)

HAVE YOUR SAY – Advisory Panels and Young Leader opportunities

⚡Government – Youth Climate & Nature Panel: Age 16-25 (UK) Deadline 11th Sept – first round for 16-18 year olds. This new initiative from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) aims to put “young people’s voices at the heart of climate and nature policy. [I wish orgs would stop using that phrase! Ed]. We are looking for passionate young people representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives from across the UK who want to help shape the future of climate and nature policy, share their views, and inspire wider action”. Read More Apply

⚡NUS Schools invites school students to inform and influence its development from the start – The National Union of School Students (NUSS), part of NUS, is looking for 13-18 year olds at school, college or sixth form to help build a new organisation to “lead youth democracy in the UK“. They say that “School students want to drive positive change but often lack meaningful avenues to collaborate at a national level” so they are calling for volunteers (16-18) who will “lead on all elements of the organisation, meet other youth campaigners, and get access to political engagement, campaigning & comms trainings this summer – Don’t miss out!” To learn more or get involved, join their upcoming welcome calls in June, July and August. Sign up here.

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

SUPPORTERS OPPORTUNITIES – Events & Resources

👀Centre For Youth Voice – check out their LinkedIn posts!

The Centre for Youth Voice has now started to post regular features/signpost blogs/case studies on LinkedIn – why not follow them directly here?

⭐The Centre for Youth Voice is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and delivered by the Network of Regional Youth Work Units. They offer free training, so sign up for their newsletter for the latest info. Also, visit their website to access Publications/Resources. Recommend the Typology (types) of youth voice models.

⭐YouthVoice Co-assessment framework : The Centre for Youth Voice has launched a co-assessment framework (free) for practitioners and young people to use together to reflect on their youth voice practice. You will be able to complete it online/and share anonymously with the Centre to share trends. “It’s a map for continuous improvement, not as a pass/fail assessment”. The framework covers the full range of approaches to youth voice — from youth consultation and co-production, to youth-led governance, activism, and social action.

➡ Tool and PDF download: https://www.regionalyouthunits.com/self-assessment-tool
➡ Launch recording: https://youtu.be/s7tOjUyyH3o

⭐”Democratic Engagement Fund” launched by Government (MHCLG) – offers a new opportunity for Civil Society Organisations to secure funding to deliver politically neutral, place‑based projects that help people understand, engage with, and participate in democratic life.  “With grants of around £25,000 (and up to £50,000 in exceptional cases), this fund is designed to support organisations already rooted in their communities to reach people who are less likely to engage in democratic processes – including young people, ethnic minority communities, disabled people, people experiencing homelessness, frequent movers, and people from lower socio‑economic backgrounds.”  If your organisation has strong community reach, innovative ideas, and a commitment to inclusion, this is a chance to make a real and lasting impact on democratic participation in England.  For further information, visit the Democratic Engagement Fund: Prospectus – GOV.UK, you can find the prospectus, and access the application.

Young Voices Heard- Services – We not only host #YouthVoiceNews but also offer services to help you mobilise your #youthvoice, including: quality assurance/assessment, training/mentoring for staff and young leaders; project management, and fundraising assistance. Last month, we supported or advised: Youth Council UK, Youth United Foundation, Shout Out UK, Be The Change Media Network and Votesat16.co.uk . DM James@youngvoicesheard.org.uk for more information.

“Youth Voice In Organisations – 10 Steps to Good Practice” James Cathcart, 2020: The most downloaded resource (1600 and rising) from Young Voices Heard/ Resource Hub. A step-by-step guide, put together following research and review of 20 years of youth voice models and methods by James Cathcart. Young people were involved in its development as part of a Power of Youth Challenge in 2020 on a draft quality mark and the Youth Voice Charter 2020 (used in YVH assessments) – thanks to iwill Ambassadors. Read here: Ten Steps to Good Practice – minimum standards checklist for organisations.☑️

CASE STUDY

“The importance of youth voice and advocacy, and connecting the sector together” by Lucy Read, (reproduced with permission), with an introduction by James Cathcart reflecting on 10 years of the Young Voices Heard ‘movement’ for change, and 35 years in the youth voice to action/empowerment business.

“Young Voices Heard shows that open youth infrastructure is both necessary and achievable. Their approach, rooted in historical learning, bottom-up knowledge sharing, international connection, and genuine power-sharing, offers a roadmap for transforming the UK youth sector. As traditional infrastructure disappears, new models like Youth Voice Heard point towards a more resilient, collaborative future driven by a culture shift from competition to co-creation and from adult-led provision to youth-driven innovation. Read Here.

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

“It’s so useful to keep abreast of things going on in the sector. Youth Voice News makes me feel connected to other advocates/researchers/practitioners. As long as I read the newsletter, I am fairly certain that I’m not missing any major developments.” Readers’ feedback survey, March 26

#YouthVoiceNews & Digest: Issue 81, 6th August