The voice of young people is rarely heard in politics and decision-making. Governments make sweeping changes to young people’s lives and it can often feel as if they are powerless to actually do anything about it.
About a year ago, a group of ‘civic leaders’ came together to think about how to help build a better future for young people across our country. These senior representatives came from across the public, private and voluntary sectors, and included individuals from Barnardo’s, Common Purpose, and New Philanthropy Capital amongst others. They believe in listening to young people, and supporting them to make the changes needed. They have spent this year trying to find out what kind of futures young people want, and how we can start to build them.
What young people tell us
We brought together over 40 young people aged 13 to 25 to discuss the issues that matter most to them, including:
- using their power and getting their voice heard
- improving mental health services, including for young people over age 18
- making the education system work for them, with school exclusion only ever a last resort
- taking control of new technologies
- building strong communities with safe spaces
- tackling climate change, urgently
Keywords: Mental health; Peer support; Education, Advocacy & Participation
