“The future will not be built for young people. It will be built with them—and if we are wise, we will trust them not only to inherit that future, but to lead it now” says UNDP Lesotho Resident Rep in Celebration of International Youth Day from YVNews Recommended Reads ….⬇️

Also in your YOUTHVOICENEWS – BITESIZE EDITION

⭐British Citizen YOUTH Awards (up to 18yrs) – Deadline 31st August, Nominate Now
⭐Govt consultation on Youth Voice ‘Empowerment’ – Deadline extended end Sept
⭐Annual Youth Voice Census Results – Youth Emp UK, 1oth Sept midday – Join Us
£3.5m to transform youth leadership in sport – Access Sport co-design youthvoice to action
👀RECOMMENDED READS/GOOD PRACTICE – Jacqueline Saline Olweya, James Sloam, RugbyLeague
💡OPPORTUNITIES/HAVE YOUR SAY- for all ages, includes advisory groups/ consultations/surveys.. NUS Schools; Govt Climate Panel, PoliticsInAction N.Ireland, Children’s Commissioner, Global Youth Awards.
🎁RESOURCE/GOOD PRACTICE – Youth Voice Standards in Organisations, 10 Steps
🎁RESOURCES – Editor’s pick – Food for Thought “Are levels of youth voice participation proportionate to the readiness of the organisation, or on who defines the expectations… ?”

“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 | 19th August| DIGEST

“British Citizen YOUTH Award – Nominate Now! Individual and Group Award (Children and YP age up to/inc 18) “We believe every young person has the power to make a difference and inspire the people around them. We are proud to celebrate the wonderful stories of bravery, kindness and creativity that young people bring to life every day. Whether they are volunteering with a local charity or leading an initiative that supports their community, we want to shine a light on their efforts and encourage a new generation to help build a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone. These ‘People’s Honours’ are an alternative to the royal Honours, and Award recipients get to put BCyA after their name, receive a certificate and medal. This is NOT a competitive award – but judged on merit with only a very small number issued (circa 20) every year. In the past they have included youthvoice/social action volunteers, and are particularly suitable for children as well as teenagers, as the family as well are invited to the presentation in the House of Lords. As one of its Ambassadors its my favourite event of the year” James Cathcart, BCyA Ambassador. More info & links to nomination forms click here – Nominate them for a BCyA today! Deadline 31/Aug/26″.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Seen and Heard (England): Government consultation of young people aged 10-21 and organisations, to help shape the future of Youth Empowerment Programmes with young people. “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@dcms.gov.uk

#YouthEmploymentUK youthvoice annual census results 10th Sept midday Webinar online launch of the 2026 Youth Voice Census – will reveal the findings YEUK biggest Census yet of 10,000 plus 11-30 year-olds. “valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing young people today, along with practical takeaways to help inform your work.” Comment – this excellent census ranges much wider than employment/careers issues. A must for those seeking evidence of #youthvoice views ReadMorelink to book free place.

⚡£3.5m Investment ot transform youth leadership in Sport: Access Sport and UK-Wide Disability Sport Partners launch landmark initiative to put young people at the heart of Community Sport. “The project has been co-designed with young people and builds on our successful delivery model”. Led by a UK-wide Project Steering Group made up of Access Sport, Disability Sport Wales, Scottish Disability Sport, and Disability Sport Northern Ireland, will promote youth voice and disability inclusion as standard practice in community sport, influencing future funding, and governance. Read More

Comment: Not all youth voice is part of traditional youth services. This is a great example of targeted investment to ensure inclusion that also embeds youth voice and participation going forward. I have come across similar examples of policy and practice, following the best practice guidance, in many other areas of life in the UK where organisations ‘get it’ that investing in, working with and hearing youth input is essential to secure relevance and future sustainability. Well done Access Sport and the Lottery for proposing and supporting! Looking forward to how the youthvoice movement can join up sectors … JC/Ed

⚡VOTES AT 16 WATCH

Do young people care about politics? – Unlock Democracy

👀Unlock Democracy Automatically adding young people to the electoral register is key to making Votes at 16 a success. The Representation of the People Bill will …

👀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/PANELS

⚡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@dcms.gov.uk Deadline end of Sept (extended from initial deadline of end of Aug, Ed)“

⚡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)

⚡Northern Ireland – Digital Voter Registration Campaign design group Politics In Action (Partners of @ShoutOutUK) need young people to shape the future of democratic engagement in Northern Ireland! If you are aged 16-25 please sign up to be part of their Voter Registration co-design team. This is a paid opportunity – please do share with your networks. Read more here. (21st Aug)

⚡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

⚡Co-Creation Workshop for teachers/youth workers to work with peer educators on a Peer Ed Toolkit. 27th August 2.00-2.30 I Have a Voice is inviting teachers and youth workers to partner with young people this Summer to co-create a new peer education toolkit. Working with peer educators (young people aged 15 to 21) to design a practical resource that: 1/ Showcases why peer education is an effective approach to engaging young people on participating in democracy, 2/ supports adults to build young people’s capacity and confidence; 3/ Provides guidance on enabling youth-led delivery in education and community settings. Share insights from your practice and provide feedback to help shape a toolkit that is useful, inclusive, and practical to implement; To find out more and to register your interest please email amelia@ihaveavoice.org.uk. [In the Loop/Yorks Humber Regional YW Unit)

👀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. Deadline 31st August

Young Voices Heard- Services – We not only host #YouthVoiceNews but also offer services to help you mobilise your #youthvoice, including: quality assurance/assessment, mentoring for staff and young leaders; project management, and fundraising assistance. DM James@youngvoicesheard.org.uk for more information.

RESOURCES

Food For Thought: I used this slide during a training webinar for young people in 2020. I shared others too – Harts Ladder and Lundys spacemaker 4 step, but I liked the way it illustrated the relationship between participation and ‘readiness’. Based on the work of Harry Shiers I came across it being used in Poland! I like it because it shows that to make progress you have to be ready – willing and able. This requires capacity, planning and growth of knowledge and experience. You could have included a stage 6 – “Young People run the organisation”, which though rare is not unprecedented, especially when an organisation is founded by young people (aged under 21, 25?) and its Directors board / are all young. These examples might employ older staff but are truly youthled. So the key to youth power lies in stage 5 around the definition of “run” and “together” and who writes that definition. This is why so many young people now call to be involved in design from the start – so they get to define these terms, and why older well-meaning folk have tended to set the terms in advance, with assumptions that their definitions are the best….

“Youth Voice In Organisations – 10 Steps to Good Practice” James Cathcart, 2020: The most downloaded YVH resource (1600 and rising) from the 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.☑️

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

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#YouthVoiceNews BiteSize, 20th August, Issue 82