This year the British Youth Council will celebrate its 70th Anniversary, marking decades of its efforts to create social and political change for young people. Throughout the year, we will not only celebrate the stories of those who have been part of the youth voice movement, we’ll also celebrate the young people who continue to champion our vision for a better world.
Anna Rose Barker, Chair of the British Youth Council said: “The British Youth Council have been working to create social and political change for 7 decades. I’m really looking forward to sharing the stories of the young people who have been part of our movement for change. Now, more than ever, it’s imperative that young people’s voice continue to be heard”
During our anniversary, the British Youth Council will announce it’s new vision for an environment in which young people views are valued, sought and acted upon. Moving forward the British Youth Council will continue its battle to amplify young people’s voices among decision makers in the UK and abroad.
Have you been involved with the British Youth Council over the last 70 years? We’d like you to share your memories or photos of your time within the movement. Email: 70@byc.org.uk
Keep up to date with the British Youth Council throughout our 70th Anniversary.
Looking back at 2017 there have been some amazing moments for us, with our programmes growing from strength to strength, our campaigns reaching new heights and even winning awards for leadership and excellent governance. Our CEO, Jo Hobbs has not only survived a year with us, but she has led our organisation and wonderful staff team to raise the impact and aspirations of the British Youth Council and youth voice in the UK and internationally.
Young people have been front and centre of the news this year with a remarkable turnout in the snap election and the Votes at 16 campaign gaining support in the lead up to the Private Members Bill in Parliament. Brexit negotiations have continued and we have been at the heart of ensuring young people are consulted and represented in this.
One of our fantastic flagship programmes, UK Youth Parliament, saw another impressive year for Make Your Mark with almost million young people taking part yet again. The House of Commons debate highlighted the impressive campaigns and inspiring young people with Votes and 16 and A Curriculum For Life coming out on top.
Our Youth Voice Star Awards gave us a moment to stop and reflect on the astonishing people and projects across the UK that exist to give young people a voice, congratulations to all those nominated and those who won an award. I want to take this moment to thank all of the youth workers, staff members, supporters and funders at the British Youth Council but in other youth organisations too, for your time, support and belief in young people. Your work is often thankless and all-consuming, so thank you for your time and effort.
Looking forward to the future for the British Youth Council I am thrilled with what is to come. In the Spring, we will be launching our three-year strategy with our members, supporters and youth sector friends. It also marks the 70th year of our organisation! This deserves some celebration, so I can’t wait to re-engage with some of our members from across the years to rekindle our alumni engagement; and also, to look forward with the young people we work with now, to ensure the British Youth Council is best placed to look ahead into the next 70 years and represent young people.
Most importantly, I am excited to be working with other young people who are inspired and empowered to make a difference in their lives and the communities around them. Whether their passion is Brexit, transport, mental health, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights or anything else – as the national youth council of the UK we will be supporting YOU to have a voice that so desperately needs to be empowered and heard.