Young people from Youth Councils and UK Youth Parliament from the around the country came to Westminster to receive their Youth Voice awards for speaking up in their local communities.

Tim Loughton MP (Children's Minister) praised the work of the British Youth Council in championing the voice of young people, when he spoke at BYC's annual reception, and Youth Voice awards - a scheme supported by The Co-operative. The Governments Positive For Youth policy paper is about to be launched and will feature their commitment to hearing the voice of young people in every Town Hall in England, as well as holding national decision makers to account, and challenging the negative stereo types that persist in the media. Liam Preston (Chair) took the opportunity to acknowledge the support of Government for youth voice but warned that the combined tough challenges of youth unemployment, cuts, debt, bullying, and unequal transport…were all eroding the confidence of young people and that they will get more articulate and targeted in their criticism of decision makers next year.

However on a positive note he congratulated staff volunteers and young people, including those from local youth councils and UK Youth Parliament, for their hard work, in what have proven to be a challenging year for youth, but had ended on a high for BYC with security of funding as a charity for the foreseeable future. This includes the running of the new Youth Voice initiative in England - offering support to local and national youth bodies, including UK Youth Parliament to advise and scrutinise decision-makers, as well as raising the profile of their achievement such as through these Youth Voice Awards.

Liam also announced the setting up of a new youth Joint Select Committee structure under the Youth Voice initiative - which will be staffed by young representatives, calling for evidence, and witnesses with a view of making recommendations to Government. Minister Tim Loughton MP welcomed this development and stated that he looked forward to its findings.

But the main event of the night was the presentation of award in recognition of those already speaking out. This project has been made possible with the support of The Co-operative whose Campaigns Manager Kate Daley presented the awards. Photographs are available to download from the BYC Facebook page.

Interesting in getting recognition for volunteering in your community? Visit the Youth Voice Award  webpage.

The award winners

Doncaster Youth Council

  • Georgia, 14
  • Serena, 17
  • Amelia, 17

Stroud District Youth Council

  • Lindsey, 18
    Kirsty, 14
  • Kathryn, 16
  • Kieran, 16

Colchester Youth Council

  • Joshua, 15

Tendring Youth Assembly

  • Laura, 15

Kirklees Youth Council

  • Jessica, 16
  • Liam, 17
  • Laura, 16

Newham Youth Council

  • Glen, 16
  • Salma, 16

Bexley Youth Council

  • Dominic, 14
  • Victoria, 13
  • Terri, 22

Bristol Youth Select Committee

  • Molly, 12
  • Naomi, 13

Hertfordshire UK Youth Parliament

  • Ailish, 15
  • Jacob, 14
  • Atlanta, 15

North East Regional Youth Work Unit

  • Sara, 18
  • Maddie, 18
  • Paul, 15