The #YouthZone rolled into town in its 13th year – still growing and learning, but now in our teens! – taking in Conservative Party conference in Manchester before heading over to Labour Party conference in Liverpool, as the parties of UK Government and Official Opposition.
Bringing together youth charities and young people with senior politicians and party representatives.
This year accompanied by our first ever #SkillsHub of education and training providers and employers.
Each conference hosting a full programme of fringe events in a purpose-built theatre venue within the exhibition halls, and meeting rooms close by.
We covered an astonishing 80+ events in just 5-days. The cherry on the top of the cake was our podcast studio ‘on the bus’ as part of the Labour exhibition run by the magnificent @WaltonYP
With some 100 young people, 50 youth sector and 50 skills sector leaders taking part at the heart of each conference, no other sectors had such a profile on a shared platform. Ministers and Shadow Ministers embraced the programme, well supported across the board.
We’d had a raft of government initiatives and funding announced in advance of the conferences, for youth policies under the National Youth Guarantee.
And new reforms of education and skills announced in Manchester, which we are less sure of, awaiting more details.
In turn Labour announced its plans for a Young Futures programme of investment in community hubs and for mental health.
That is a culmination of work with the Commission On Young Lives we are very proud to be part of.
Overall, we have no favourites – except for the Walton youth bus! – but there are a few stand out moments across the two weeks:
- A line up of Ministers, council leaders, party representatives and senior MPs to welcome us to Conservative conference. Co-hosted by young people from Manchester and the north west.
- The breadth and depth of issues and events as part of the #SkillsHub.
- Sports & Youth Minister being interviewed ‘in the hot seat’ by TV presenter Adrian Chiles with Street Games.
- The drop-in and selfie with the Prime Minister and young people from 5 children’s charities.
- The extraordinary talent in young people led sessions and #YouthVoice (special mention goes to Youth Focus NW and British Youth Council).
- The fun and games of interactive and energetic sessions including Sea Cadets, Football Beyond Borders and Net Zero APPG.
- Ministers fully engaged at Conservatives and new Shadow Ministers so supportive of our events at Labour.
- School students visiting with Oxfam, Send My Friend and Design & Technology Assn. going toe-to-toe with MPs.
- A series of ‘hot seat’ interviews and podcasts alongside the Commission On Young Lives, and others hosted in the #SkillsHub.
- Friendships new and renewed, topping the list with Youth Focus NW, Walton youth & community project, and City & Guilds.
Finally the unsung heroes of conference staff from each party and conference venues.
Truly brilliant from Anne, Dean, Katie and colleagues at Labour, Tkay and team at Conservatives.
We thank you, and will see you next year!
Citadel 