The British Youth Council is the National Youth Council of the UK. A youth-led charity, we empower young people aged 25 and under to influence and inform the decisions that affect their lives. We support young people to get involved in their communities and democracy locally, nationally and internationally, making a difference as volunteers, campaigners, decision-makers and leaders.
Read our latest blogs from the British Youth Council trustees, volunteers and staff.
A big thank you to our amazing Challenge 75 fundraisers and supporters
In September, the British Youth Council launched Challenge 75, a fundraising campaign to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Our fantastic group of fundraisers took part in a 30-day challenge that involved activities related to the number 75. While some preferred to walk or run for 75 miles, others opted for nicher challenges, like the British Youth
- Published in Blogs, Challenge Events, Fundraising
Young people should be trusted with the vote at 16 – here’s why
The upsurge in youth activism in recent years has led to more young people getting involved in making change happen, in the best ways that are accessible to them. This can take many forms, from social media campaigns to involving themselves in local politics or even protest. There are a myriad of examples of this
- Published in Blogs, Votes at 16, Voting
Local elections in May required Voter ID: Was it worth it?
For the first time ever, voters were required to present an accepted form of photographic identification before being issued with their ballot paper in local elections in England on 4th May 2023. The new law was first proposed to Parliament by Boris Johnson in 2021. Downing Street said that voter ID was intended to prevent
- Published in Blogs, Votes at 16, Voting
British Youth Council calls for mental health support to reflect diverse needs of young people
Members of the British Youth Council have restated the importance of young people’s mental health, calling on the UK Government to examine the impact reduced funding has had on care practitioners’ ability to deliver tailored support to suit all needs. The call comes off the back of the organisation’s Annual Council Meeting, where representatives from