Youth voice, participation and engagement

What is youth voice?

Youth voice is the active involvement of young people in decision-making processes that affect their lives, communities, and futures. It’s about:

• Listening to young people's opinions on issues that matter to them
• Empowering them to influence policies, services, and projects
• Creating platforms where their ideas are respected and acted upon

Youth workers embed youth voice throughout the youth service by creating safe spaces, building confidence, connecting young people with decision makers, and using creative methods like district youth forums, management committees, workshops and consultations, while ensuring their input truly makes a difference. 

Management committees

Management committees in our youth centres give young people the power to shape their own experiences. They decide how club funds are spent, design exciting activity programmes, and influence trips and residentials. It’s about turning ideas into action and creating spaces that truly reflect what young people want.

District youth forums

District Youth Forums across Nottinghamshire give young people a platform to campaign on local issues and amplify the voices of their peers. Supported by youth workers, young people regularly engage with elected representatives and community leaders to drive positive change. Each forum is chaired by a Member of Youth Parliament or Deputy Member of Youth Parliament, elected by young people.

Pioneers

The pioneers forum is designed for young people aged 11 to 25 who identify as having a disability. The group meets one Saturday each month. Its main goals are:

• Empowerment: Giving young people with disabilities a voice in shaping local services.
• Influence: Providing opportunities to impact decisions that affect their lives.
• Advocacy: Creating a safe space for representation and campaigning across Nottinghamshire. 

Children in care council

The children in care council, known as “No Labels,” serves as a key forum for looked-after young people to influence the services that impact their lives. The meeting is chaired by young people and attended by senior officers and elected members, ensuring direct engagement between decision-makers and those with lived experience. These meetings provide opportunities for young people to share ongoing projects, raise concerns, and contribute to service development.

To ensure inclusive representation, the council operates through age-specific sub-groups: Play Consultation (ages 3 to 7), Junior (8 to 12), Senior (13 to 17), and Leaving Care (18 to 25). This structure enables tailored discussions and supports young people at different stages of care. Collectively, “No Labels” and its sub-groups empower young people to have a meaningful voice, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement in care services.

Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs)

Members of Youth Parliament are young people aged 11 to 18 who are democratically elected to represent their views of their peers across the UK. They form part of the UK Youth Parliament, a national initiative that gives young people a voice in decision-making and policy discussions. 

Nottinghamshire Youth Service elects four Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) for a two-year term. These young people will take the helm of their local district youth forums, champion the issues that matter most to young people, and make their voices heard on a bigger stage. From shaping campaigns to attending inspiring regional events, including debates in the Houses of Commons, conferences, and assemblies. Our MYPs are ready to create real change and represent the future for young people.

Watch the Members of Youth Parliament annual sitting in the House of Commons:

• Morning session [YouTube]
• Afternoon session [YouTube]

Quotes from parents and young people

“Deepest thanks to everyone on the team who supported with the Parliamentary visit. Such a moment, so inspiring and what a privilege”. (Parent)

“Thanks again so much for last Friday really was such a good day and an amazing experience”. (Young person)

“It was a lifetime experience that I will cherish forever”. (Young person)

“I’m truly grateful for you and your team for your acceptance and patience. It really does make a difference to young people's lives”. (Parent) 

Elections

Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you want to represent the voices of young people in Nottinghamshire?

Manifestos for the 2026 election must be submitted by Monday 15 December. Elections will take place from Monday 2 February to Friday 13 February 2026.

Who can apply?

• Young people aged 11 to 18 years (if you turn 19 during the MYP term, you will be asked to step down)
• Must live, work/volunteer at least 14 hours, or be in education within the constituency you wish to represent

How to apply

Submit a manifesto that explains:

• The issues you care about most
• Why you want to become a Member of Youth Parliament

To request a candidate pack, email: countywide.youthservice@nottscc.gov.uk  

Submit your manifesto online via this form.

Get in touch

If you are interested in taking part in the any of the work that the team supports, please contact the team via Countywide.Youthservice@nottscc.gov.uk

If you are interested in inviting our groups to be involved in your consultation or gaining young people’s views, you can submit an expression of interest to consult with young people via this online form.

If you would like to invite young people to be involved in your recruitment and selection process, please submit an expression of interest to involve young people in interviews via this online form.