Youth council

Earlier this year, we asked young people across the borough to tell us what issues matter most to them and how they want the Youth Council to take action. We ran a survey and held workshops in schools, youth clubs, and online to gather your views.

Over 1,200 young people responded, and here’s what you told us:

• Mental health matters: You want more support in schools and better awareness of services available.

• Environment and climate: You care deeply about the planet and want more local climate action.

• Youth spaces and activities: You’re asking for more safe places to go and things to do, especially after school and on weekends.

• Cost of living: Many of you are worried about how it’s affecting your families and access to basic things like school meals and transport.

• Being heard: You want your opinions taken seriously and more chances to influence decisions that affect you.

Based on what you told us, here’s what we’ve done so far:

• Mental Health Campaign: We’ve partnered with local services to create a mental health awareness campaign in schools and online, led by young people.

• Environmental Action Plan: The Youth Council launched a “Green Pledge” initiative in March and is working with the council’s environment team to develop youth-led climate projects.

• Youth Spaces Audit: We reviewed local youth provision and secured funding to reopen two youth centres and expand weekend sessions.

• Cost of Living Panel: We’ve started a new project group focused on how cost of living issues affect young people, working with councillors to explore free travel and meal options.

• Youth Voice Hub: We’re setting up a digital hub for young people to find consultations, share views, and see real updates like this one.