“Here in the USA, we do not have youth voice baked into our institutions, and so we have to be intentional about creating those spaces … Equally important is preparing adults to accept and embrace youth expertise,” is YVNews quote of the week from USA Psychology Professor Regina Langhout, UC – Santa Cruz, in YouthVoiceNews – USA Spotlight below…⬇️

Also this week in your YOUTHVOICENEWS and DIGEST..

⭐NEWS: Andy Burnham – How I will support yp across the UK (video)
⭐NEWS: Scottish Youth Parliament calls on new PM to rethink social media ban
⭐NEWS: NUS Schools calls for students to shape its direction as a national voice in democracy
⭐NEWS: Votes at 16 Bill delayed until Autumn
⭐NEWS: Govt Youth Strategy Conference (CYPNow) – one year/hearing youth voice?
⭐NEWS: National ‘Youth Council’ Chair says social media bans will restrict youthvoice
👀NOT The World Cup – USA youthvoice spotlight
👀Rec Read – Millicent Wenlock
👀GOOD PRACTICE SPOTLIGHT – @PartnershipforyoungLondon, SYP, Emma Simpson,
💡OPPORTUNITIES – for all ages, includes advisory groups
📢HAVE YOUR SAY – consultations/surveys
🎁RESOURCE/GOOD PRACTICE – Youth Voice Standards in Organisations, 10 Steps
🎁RESOURCES – Editor’s pick

“YouthVoice News & Opportunities Digest” is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer. Join over 800 (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 | 8th July – 22nd July| DIGEST

Andy Burnham – How will you support young people across the UK? TikTok – 9th July. Watch his reply here: This is How. In 2018 Andy Burnham told a school group that if he ever became PM he would ‘prioritise young people’. Whilst he hasn’t (yet) appointed a new coordinating Youth Minister to Cabinet to reflect this, he did outline a few policy areas in a video last week. “There’s so much we need to do to support young people, recognising that it’s harder growing up these days than it was for us in the 70s and 80s… Too many young people find that they get to their late teens or their 20s and don’t have a clear path in life. I’m on a mission to change that!” He proposes to look again at the cost of bus travel nationally (it’s free for 16- 18-year-olds in Greater Manchester). Last year the Dept for Transport turned down, on cost grounds, a recommendation by the Transport Select Committee, to pilot free/discounted bus passes for all those under 22-year-olds across England, to help them access work, education, and training opportunities. They argued that it should be up to local areas to decide (and pay). The new PM also said he would look to gaurantee a 45 day work placement for every young person who wants it. Free bus transport and restoring work experience were two key areas the British Youth Council had lobbied on in response to young peoples priorities. He also pledged more higher-quality apprenticeships, including degree apprenticeships up to level six, but without the debt, and more support for sport after-school activities. Watch the full video here Andy Burnham – This is How I Would Support Young People Across the UK

Comment: I remember working on both transport and work experience campaigns for young people at BYC – lobbying both Labour and Tory Governments. “Accessible, Affordable and Safe public Transport” was a mandated UK Youth Parliament campaign, prioritise in a Make Youth Mark public ballot, and became the first ever topic of the BYC Youth Select Committee. (BYCs successor, YCUK, has yet to refresh its members’ manifesto, priorities and relationship with Government, as it is still getting established – see update below). One of the challenges for Andy Burnham, for example on bus passes, will be how to reconcile his commitment to devolved decision-making whilst also delivering a national entitlement. JC/Ed]

Dear PM, Andy Burnham – rethink the social media ban for under 16s – Scottish Youth Parliament. In an open letter sent to the new PM today, SYP Chair Ellie Craig writes: “Whilst we strongly urge you to reconsider these proposals, we also believe that, if this policy is taken forward, young people must have a meaningful role in shaping its implementation… we are concerned about the unintended consequences of a blanket social media ban on access to information, and participation opportunities”. Read full letter here. Young people in Scotland, aged 12 to 25, can add their names https://lnkd.in/ecd45xSG

[Comment- great to see SYP being proactive with this unambiguous mandated message and invite to Andy Burnham to meet up. I expect SYP will be one of many (I hope) making similar approaches to Number 10, given the wide-ranging agenda of youth policy challenges facing young people – who want their voice to be heard in meaningful dialogue that results in action taken. Supporters and allies will also be backing them to have a permanent seat at the table, and as much access as they do. I wonder who will be the first to call for a higher profile for youth policy with resources to match. An exclusive Youth Minister at Cabinet level, coordinating dialogue across departments with young people, would send a strong signal. Ed/JC]

⚡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.

**YVH Archive of Votes at 16 parliamentary lobby**

⚡Votes at 16 (Representation of the People Bill) delayed to autumn following change of PM. The Third Reading/Report stage remaining stages of the Bill were due before the House of Commons on 14th July, but out-going PM/Govt replaced it on the Commons Business agenda, with the “Hillsborough Law, fast-tracked for completion before the summer recess. Andy Burnham is likely to PM, and possibly a new Ministerial team will be tasked to get the postponed Bill over the line. Campaigners who travelled to the Commons were disappointed to learn that Leader of the House, Sir Alan Campbell MP, had only announced the previous day, that the time slot would now feature the “Remaining stages of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill” (Hillsborough Law). Florence Eshalomi MP, asked him for reassurance: “This is a big Bill that includes key major reforms: enfranchising so many young people when trust in politics is at an all-time low… Will he please ensure that the Bill will come back swiftly after the summer recess?” He replied “My hon. Friend is absolutely right that the Representation of the People Bill is an important Bill. I will announce in due course when it will return to this House, but it will be returning to this House.”

⚡November Conference in London 12/11 “Turning national strategy into lasting change” hosted by Children Young People Now – 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, both in the development and delivery of the strategy. This included a promise of a mechanism for young people to hold the Government to account one year on…. JC/Ed]

Youth Council UK Chair raises concerns on social media restrictions – “Ultimately, young people should not simply have decisions made about them; they should have a meaningful role in shaping them.” In a statement responding to the recent Government proposals, Ashrita Kalia (school student recently elected Chair of YCUK) said. “I believe it is essential that young people themselves are part of this conversation.” She goes on to highlight the challenge to young people being able to connect, find community, and informal learning opportunities if social media is restricted. “These [Govt] proposals come after years of declining investment in youth services…many young people have already lost vital spaces for connection, community and informal education. If one of the main avenues through which young people access these opportunities is now being restricted, we must ensure there are equal and fair pathways available to every young person.” Her particular concern is the threat to youth-voice dialogue and participation itself “in civic discourse” and their ability to “have their say on the issues that matter to them.” .. “We are committed to advocating for greater investment in youth services and to working with partners to ensure that these changes have a positive impact on young people and strengthen opportunities for safe, meaningful participation both online and offline”. Full Statement

⚡Youth Council UK – Update – Support Board. A new YCUK ‘Support Board’ of older folk from its member organisations is being shortlisted and interviewed by the Executive Board (aged 16-25) this month. Their role will be to provide “guidance, expertise, and support to help young people lead and shape the future direction of Youth Council UK”. Watch this space for updates.

Comment: NYA continues to support the setting up of a new national Youth Council for the UK, step by step, before it goes public with a refreshed members-mandated manifesto to continue the work of the British Youth Council which closed in March 2024. (BYC had a manifesto which members updated annually, and member delegates chose 3 or 4 annual priority campaigns (eg in 2024 it was Mental Health and Votes at 16), as well as having a system for ‘taking a line’ on current events (Policy Response Group). Representatives of over 200 YCUK member orgs (names not available) elected a youth-led Executive Committee (16-25 yrs) earlier this year. It is now recruiting a support board to guide it. It will take time for the new national youth council (successor to the British Youth Council, which closed in 2024) to get fully established, raise funding, and to exercise influence – so Ashrita’s call for the process of #youthvoice to continue to freely and safely engage in on-line dialogue, is timely and welcome. Social media is a critical part of the process for sharing knowledge and mobilising youth voice by connecting with each other as well as with decision-makers. Safety and youth voice are not mutually exclusive agendas and access will enable young people to have their views shared through existing youth voice vehicles – locally, regionally, in the nations, as well as growing number of new national voice networks such as NUS Schools

👀Watch this space👀

👀Watch this space – Joe Rich, Strategic Lead on Youth Voice at the National Lottery Community Fund on a recent network event shaping the future of ‘youth voice’ to ‘youth power: “Above all what really matters is the wraparound support through creating opportunities to connect with others, learn together and take care of themselves.” Read more..

👀Watch this space – Youthvoice champion Millicent Wenlock launches her youthled initiative Beyond Consultation – “Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing my journey as an independent researcher exploring youth participation, environmental governance, and what meaningful influence actually looks like in practice. A huge thank you to Be the change. Media Network for providing this project with a home from day one. This is just the first chapter. You can read the first newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/eGBvcaNF

USA – NOT THE WORLD CUP – SPOTLIGHT! (regular readers will know I like to feature examples from overseas. One day we’ll join up – more in common… Ed)

Spotlight USA – Santa Cruz, California – Gatherings like the Youth & Adult Partnership Summit are a step in the right direction. “Here in the USA, we do not have youth voice baked into our institutions, and so we have to be intentional about creating those spaces. In our county, we are learning to make space for youth voice, and preparing youth for opportunities like sitting on a school board is very important. Equally important is preparing adults to accept and embrace youth expertise.” UC Santa Cruz Psychology Professor Regina Langhout. Read more: Collaborating to support youth leadership and voice – UC Santa Cruz – News

Local student-led nonprofit honored with national award in Washington, D.C. – Priority Marketing Athletes Activating Champions & Empowerment (AACE) has been honored with the Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award at the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) annual conference in Washington, D.C. “NYLC is the nation’s leading organisation in service-learning. It equips young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to amplify youth voice …”

National Youth Leadership Council (USA NGO) “leadership starts here” … “we believe in the power of youth voice, action, and civic engagement to come together to shape a better tomorrow” – Check it out…

GOOD PRACTICE SPOTLIGHT

⚡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]

⚡Emma Simpson responds to the Milburn review, highlighting the importance of young people’s voices – in school, in research and in the journey towards employment. “It often does take more time to fully involve young people, to build them into governance structures and support them to design and commission services to tackle the barriers to employment which they and their peers have experienced. But this time and effort is well invested because it leads to deep engagement and services which are more likely to meet needs… Read More/Article

⚡Podcast – Scottish Youth Parliament : “What does meaningful participation actually look like? And how can we ensure young people’s views don’t just get heard, but genuinely shape the decisions that affect their lives?” In Episode 2 of the Young Rights Champions Podcast, Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) explore Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the practical steps decision-makers can take to engage with children and young people in accessible, inclusive and meaningful ways. The episode also takes listeners behind the scenes of Cabinet Takeover 2025, where MSYPs met with the First Minister and Scottish Cabinet to discuss the issues that matter most to young people, demonstrating the impact meaningful participation can have at the highest levels of decision-making. Read/Listen here

YOUNG TRUSTEE MOVEMENT

⚡NEW – The Young Trustees Movement is now posting weekly notifications of young trustee vacancies. Follow their LinkedIn posts direct 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

⚡DELAYED _Representation of the People Bill (inc Votes at 16) Report and House of Commons Third Reading . The remaining stages of the bill in the House of Commons (report and third reading) have been postponed to the autumn (see lead news item) You can follow updates on the Parliament Website on legislation Representation of the People Bill: progress of the bill – The House of Commons Library . This briefing tracks the progress of the bill to introduce votes at 16, automatic voter registration, tighten the rules on political donations ..

⚡VOTES AT 16 WATCH – 👀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

OPPORTUNITIES to “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]

YOUTH VOICE OPPORTUNITIES

RECOGNITION

Global Youth Awards Nominations open, free to enter, 11-15 years – Closing date 1 September 2026. One of the categories in 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

⚡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

⚡Heritage Partnership ‘Youth Voice Ambassadors’. Aged 18-25? England? Member of a uniformed organisation? Deadline 3rd August 26. The Youth United Foundation are recruiting more young ambassadors to inform, influence and shape this initiative in paid roles. Read More & Application form [ Young Voices Heard have been consultancy partner to this Heritage Youth Partnership is a since 2020. We have developed the youth voice framework for the YUF members Volunteer Policy Cadets, and managed their first pilot and supported subsequent rollout. YVH is currently supporting fundraising for the rollout of the initiative and commend this opportunity JC/Ed]

⚡Safe To Lead, a project supported by Children In Need, Beyond (mental health charity) Synkora (consultants) is recruiting young people for one-off forums. The project will aim to explore support needs of young leaders before they “burn out”. “Through a series of online focus groups, young people aged 10–25 can share what meaningful, sustainable support should actually look like. If you know young people leading change in your organisation, school, college, university or community, please partner with us in helping them share their experiences”. 60-minute online focus group £30 One4All voucher for everyone who takes part
Registration link: https://lnkd.in/e_4HwFdB ⏰ Deadline to register: Monday 27 July, 5:00pm 📩 Everyone who registers will hear back by Wednesday 29 July, 5:00pm. Read More

⚡Young Judges Opportunity aged 11–25 : for the Global youth awards (see ‘Recognition’ item above). Each Youth Judge is assigned to review and judge one specific award category. Interested individuals can find information about the awards above and email Erin directly for more information and to apply by end of July– erin@legacyprojectglobal.com

⚡Coram – Voices in Action, Housing Rights Ambassadors
Voices in Action is recruiting Housing Rights Ambassadors to begin in September. London-based/ 16-25 with lived experience of homelessness. The programme will aim to support young people to “campaign for change locally and nationally, while providing training in housing rights, policy and advocacy. Participants will also develop skills to access paid opportunities, including delivering workshops for professionals and other young people”. Deadline is on Friday 31 July. Read more

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.

⚡One Young Person Cannot Represent a Generation – YouthVoice, Power-Sharing and Meaningful Participation William Sarenden In this excellent article Williman sets out seven ‘pillars’ of participation that organisations should strive towards. Many familiar – but persuasively articulated, they highlight that its not about the models and theory chosen – but where power lies and is exercised. [Comment: William is a great example of a “lived experience” independent influencer and I look forward to reading/hearing more from him going forward. JC/Ed] Read the Article Here

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: 22nd July 2023 | Issue 80