Young people present their ideas to the APPG on the national youth strategy

On Tuesday 11 March, the APPG was delighted to welcome over 80 young people to Parliament. Presentations were given by twelve young people to the whole room from ten different charity and youth organisations, where they outlined the challenges they face, opportunities they need, and what they would like to see addressed in the upcoming national youth strategy.

The APPG on Youth Affairs always strives to bring young people to Parliament and to have their say on the issues that affect them. On Tuesday, young people were given an unparalleled opportunity to put their specific ideas directly to MPs and a representative from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, who spoke in detail about the strategy and its timelines.

Chair of the APPG, Natasha Irons MP, welcomed the young people, encouraging them to speak confidently about their own experiences and give their ideas. She was joined by APPG Officers David Williams, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, and Dr Lauren Sullivan, MP for Gravesham. All MPs in attendance engaged with the young people on their ideas and spoke about how compelling and useful their contributions were.

Those giving presentations were nominated by the following organisations: Marine Society and Sea Cadets, Girlguiding, Whizz Kidz, The Scout Association, Woodcraft Folk, Fair Education Alliance, London Youth, Coach Core Foundation, St John Ambulance, and Torchlight Ministries. All the young people spoke powerfully and confidently, with strong ideas and vision about what needs to change for young people and how it could be achieved.

At the previous APPG meeting in November 2024, the APPG heard from young people about what they wanted the APPG to cover over this Parliamentary session. Common themes that were highlighted include opportunities for young people, access to youth services, mental health, social media, and skills and employment. Over the course of this Parliamentary session, the APPG will look to cover several of these topics, giving young people a chance to speak on these important issues.

The presentations given by young people on Tuesday, as well as other comments and questions, will be taken forward and shared with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport as part of the development of the national youth strategy. It is vital that young people’s perspectives are the foundation of the national youth strategy, with their experiences and aspirations at the centre. The APPG on Youth Affairs will provide another avenue for young people to have their say and input into the strategy, due to be published in the summer.