Youth voice to power: ‘whoever’s in charge work with us’

Last July he re-launched perhaps one of the smaller (but potentially nationally significant programmes as we contemplate the prospect of a new PM) the new Youth Policy Development Group delivered in partnership with ShoutOutUK.

It brings young policy-makers together with Ministers and officials in monthly roundtable consultations with a range of government departments. ShoutOutUK is supported by polling company Survation and Young Voices Heard to ensure a broad range of voices are heard.

“We are looking forward to working with ShoutOutUK .. enabling more young people to get their voices heard .. This grant continues to represent a key mechanism for supporting meaningful engagement between young people and decision makers at all levels and we remain committed to funding this activity.”

Since then, the programme has gone from strength to strength, recruiting a fresh group of young people from a range of backgrounds across England, and providing them with training, mentor support, polling research and surveys.

This has enabled them to prepare policy briefs and proposals in response to departmental consultation request on policy issues. guidance. Roundtables have included ‘Covid testing and vaccinations’ with Minister Ron Walker MP; ‘UN Rights of the Child’ with the Permanent Sec at the Dept for Education; ‘Youth Centre design’ with the ‘Youth Investment Fund’ designers/DEFRA; ‘Youth Engagement review’ with the DCMS Youth Directorate; ‘Genetic Food/Crops modification’ with Minister Jo Churchill MP at DEFRA, and mental health and wellbeing with minister Gillian Keegan MP at Dept of Health.

Their hard work has been rewarded with confirmation that the initiative is not only to be extended to March 2023 but to also boost the group's numbers to 40. (See ShoutoutUK or YoungVoicesHeard’s websites for background, feedback from young people, and information on how to apply).

In addition, despite the changes in the government during this week, Nigel Huddleston was again confirming the government’s commitment to another youth social action programme when he announced in Manchester, another 12m for the #iwillfund (6m each from DCMS and the National Lottery).

I hope that despite the forthcoming change of Prime Minister and inevitable reshuffle of ministers that government’s commitment to youth engagement will not only continue into 2023 but be given greater visibility and influence. Perhaps a new Prime Minister would benefit from attending a youth roundtable or wider summit with young leaders? (The last one I was involved in organising was with Nick Clegg Deputy PM in 2010).

Perhaps now more than ever, young people could do with a strong signal of support to demonstrate they matter too, and that every voice, including those who cannot vote, will be heard in our democracy.  I would call on the candidates for the premiership to  focus on the challenges facing our young people as a priority, and for the next Prime Minister to increase the visibility of the governments’ willingness to listen to, invest in and work with young people. Not just by listening to the youth policy group, but by creating a new youth minister role, a coordinating department for youth policies, and cabinet representation.

Youth Policy Group member Kyrenia Shipilis (18), interviewed by young voices heard said: "I would like to see greater effort from the government to reach out and acknowledge the issues that our young people are facing. Creating opportunities like the Youth Policy Development Group as well as frequent visits to schools, clubs and activities, will lead to greater collaboration, between our youth and government, building trust”.The YPDG and youth voice [to power] gives young people a chance to be heard and engage in matters that affect us. It means so much to young people out there who are afraid of what the future many bring. To those in power, whether you like it or not, our youth is the future of this country. They deserve to be invested in, listened to and heard. Work with us so we can work with you.

James Cathcart is founder of #YoungVoicesHeard