The Surrey Heath Youth Council (SHYC) has been relaunched with new partner, children and young people's charity Learning Space. It will offer an effective way for young people to have a direct voice into the Council, and have a say on issues that affect them.
The SHYC had been paused since the summer of 2023 when the previous provider was unable to continue facilitating the scheme, but funding has been secured for the scheme for January to December 2024.
The SHYC will be made up of 12 active young members, who will represent thousands of their peers. To achieve this, they will consult with as many young people as possible across Surrey Heath and share their views in weekly meetings.
The SHYC has already held its first in person and online meetings of the new year, with a focus on recruiting new young people to get involved in running the Youth Council, and deciding the focus of the work programme for this year.
The SHYC will engage with schools and youth clubs across the borough, focusing their projects on the things that matter most to young people in Surrey Heath. There will be a recruitment drive for young people aged 11+ in the coming weeks, with opportunities for many young people to get involved across the year throughout term time.
Previous SHYC projects include a Curriculum for Life event, an anti-discrimination campaign, campaigning to improve the cycling routes in Surrey Heath, and fundraising for those in need.
The SHYC helps achieve the council’s key aims of nurturing a strong sense of community across the whole borough, fostering a sense of respect and consideration, and engaging meaningfully with all sectors of our community on all key policies.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Inclusion and Housing Cllr Lisa Finan-Cooke said: “The relaunch of the Surrey Heath Youth Council is excellent news. There is a strong need for the council to ensure that diverse communities across the borough are supported to engage with, and feed in to council processes.
“Young people are a key part of our local community, and deserve to have a voice in the work of the council. The Youth Council has the potential to reach around 12,000 local young people with their work, and give them a say in shaping priorities and policies that will impact on their future lives.”
Learning Space Manager Gill North said: “We are really excited to be part of the relaunch of Surrey Heath Youth Council. It is crucial that we listen to the voices of young people because they bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and invaluable insights that can shape a better future for all.”
If you would like to find out more about the SHYC, or know a young person who is interested in joining, please email catherine@learningspace.org.uk
Surrey Heath Youth Council will receive £14,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.