Local Youth Council Network

What exactly is a Youth Council?

Local youth councils are forums that represent the views of young people at a local level.  Run by young people for young people, they give young people a voice and enable them to make their views heard in the decision-making process.  They give young people the chance to discuss relevant issues, engage with decision makers and contribute to improving the lives of young people within their communities. There are currently over 620 youth councils active across the UK. They work with all levels of local government including Parish and Community Councils as well as Unitary Authorities, Borough and County Councils.

Youth councils identified their role within the local community as follows:

•           representing the views of local young people to decision-makers

•           campaigning on issues that are important to young people

•           sitting on Youth Opportunity Fund panels

•           reviewing the Children's Plan

•           sitting on scrutiny panels within their local council

•           running the Youth Opportunity Fund

•           inspecting local services.

•           and much more….

Download our report Young Voices Stronger Together - A report on the local youth council network by the British Youth Council.

BYC offers a variety of ways to support local youth councils.

Setting up a Local Youth Council

We offer support and advice to people looking to set up a Local Youth Council. Give us a call on 020 7250 8380 or email LYC@byc.org.uk.

Developing your Youth Council

If you are looking for some advice or want to talk through an issue or problem you may be facing then give us a call on 020 7250 8380 or email LYC@byc.org.uk.

Training and Consultancy

BYC offers a wide range of training packages such as our 'Putting Your Point Across' suite of sessions specifically for local youth councils to bespoke training specifically tailored for your Local Youth Council.

Visit our Training and Consultancy pages

Online Resource Centre

Our online resource centre is packed with FREE downloadable documents and information to help with the running of your Local Youth Council. We have resources on how to setup local youth councils, how to run meetings effectively and many other fun activities that youth councils can take part in.

Visit our Resource Centre.

    

The Local Youth Council Network is supported by: