Over 80 young people led debate and discussions with politicians at this year’s annual party conferences. As part of Youth Work Week, 6-12 November, we spoke to three young people from the north west who hosted events at Conservative and Labour conferences in Manchester and Liverpool respectively. We asked them about their experience and why they believe young voices should be heard more clearly by local councils, regional mayors and in parliament.
How do you think politicians can help young people aspire and succeed?
“I believe that this can be achieved by better promoting youth voice opportunities, such as youth councils and youth combined authorities.”
By giving them a bigger platform more young people will have access to them and that they are of an excellent standard.
“Additionally, I believe that the ideas and policies of politicians need to adapt too; as a young person, we hear frequently that we should be ‘seen, and not heard’, and so often, our voices in political settings, such as council meetings, can feel like a tick-box activity, and that isn’t right.”
“One of the main reasons young people don’t want to be involved in youth voice is because they see it as ‘pointless’ and don’t think it will go anywhere.”
Politicians need to show us that our involvement is so powerful and beneficial, but that only comes from responding to us; our questions, our emails, and our criticisms too.
April, Youth Focus, Knowsley Youth Cabinet
“I think politicians can work with young people and amplify their voices, since they have platforms that allow them to do so.”
“They can work with young people to make them feel confident in themselves and make sure that they know their potential, not only in politics but in all aspects of life.”
Leia, Warrington Youth Council
“I believe the best thing a politician can do is to listen. The role of a politician should be to represent the views of various people, including young people.”
“Therefore by stopping and listening to what young people have to say this can be very helpful in their own development as it demonstrates that the system of representative democracy can work and that young people will be listened to; so they should not give up as success is possible within this system.”
Aaron, Trafford Youth Council
What have you seen work in the youth sector and what would you like to be added?
“Politicians should meet regularly with young people in their area to make sure that their voices are heard and taken on board in decision making.”
Young people that want to, should be able to contribute however they wish to their community and it’s up to the politicians to make this happen. This could involve removing barriers that stop young people from participating in events, like costs and transport.
Leia
I have seen the campaigns I have been involved in, such as Knowsley Youth Cabinet’s ‘Stop the Knives Ending Lives’ be successful, yet it is no secret that better involvement from local councils would improve this further. With this, I believe that council’s engagement with young people should be mandatory, and not optional.
“I also believe that it’s crucial for decision-makers to go into schools to actively talk to the young people they’re representing, as well as promoting youth clubs and opportunities to those who aren’t in school for a variety of reasons.”
At Knowsley Youth Cabinet, we are currently devising a list of instructions on how council meetings can be more inclusive to young people. Whilst we are frequently invited to them, it is a common occurrence that we, as young people, don’t always understand what is being said and, as a consequence, our presence there feels patronised.
April
“From my personal experience when engaging with young people, politicians should try to do it in the most relaxed environment possible. Often politicians can seem intimidating, so instead of making a young person present their ideas better outcomes often come out of more relaxed discussion.”
Aaron
If you could send a message to your older self, what would it be?
I would remind myself to engage with young people more. Just because young people may never have paid taxes and have not seen as much of the world yet, does not mean they are naive.
“A young person will often provide a new perspective which may have been overlooked and if the matter at hand involves politics and policy making many will be extremely passionate and engaged.”
In this case, I would tell myself that whenever I am stuck, ask for the input of a young person, as the chances are they will be able to provide a creative solution to the matter at hand.
Aaron
I would like to tell my older self to stick to what she believes in. I would say to “make sure to stay open minded, but don’t be swayed by someone who tries to convince you that you aren’t capable.” I want to remember that as a young person I have every right to be in the places I am and that I deserve all the success I gain from this.
Leia
If I could send a message to my older self, it would be simple: remember this moment!
“Considering I want to go into a future in politics, I want to remember how much these youth voice opportunities supported me in getting there and just how much they allowed me to grow.”
Whether that be through gaining confidence and communication skills, or through the people I’ve been honoured to network with and, even all of the incredible events I’ve been privileged to attend along the way.
As cliché as it sounds, I can safely say that I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without my youth council and all of the opportunities it has created for me. They mean everything to me and more.
“I am eternally grateful, for everything and everyone that has supported me on my continuing journey in politics, they’re the people and the opportunities that I’ll never forget and have undoubtedly changed my life, so thank you.”
April
Youth Work Week’s celebrates the youth workers, young people and everyone who funds and commissions within the sector.
This year’s focus is on youth work in every space and place, looking at every job, in every location that contributes to the future success of youth work. #YWW23
With thanks to Youth Focus NW in supporting young people to take part at the party conferences and the publication of this article
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