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.
What young people expect in the Commonwealth Year of Youth
2023 is an important year! It’s the Commonwealth Year of Youth. At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2022 (CHOGM), leaders declared that 2023 would be the Commonwealth Year of Youth – coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. It’s no secret that, with a population of 1.5 billion people, young people
- Published in Blogs, UK Young Ambassadors
The 2023 local elections left young people behind. It’s time for things to change
The 2023 local elections happened in England on 4th May and Northern Ireland on the 18th May. People in many parts of England aged 18 and older had the chance to vote for their local councillors. These elections were crucial in deciding who ran our local councils. Local councils are in control of services like
- Published in Blogs, Votes at 16, Voting
Food for Learning: Why I believe in Universal Free School Meals
Free school meals. Over a fifth of school-age children in the UK are eligible for them, and this number is up from previous years. They help relieve pressure on families to pay for food, especially if there are multiple children in the household; this is even more relevant during this Cost of Living crisis we
- Published in Blogs, UK Youth Parliament
Empowering youth voices in accessing healthcare services: a firsthand account
As a young person it can be remarkably challenging in accessing healthcare services. Sometimes it feels impossible to access them at all. Drawing from my own experiences, this blog explores why young people’s voices are so pertinent in ensuring they receive the great healthcare they are entitled to. The struggles as a young person My
- Published in Blogs, NHS Youth Forum