It’s good to talk – Bucks Youth Summit gives young people a voice

Young people from secondary schools across Buckinghamshire have been given the chance get together to discuss a range of topics close to their hearts, as part of an event hosted by Youth Voice Bucks.

The first ever, Bucks Youth Summit took place at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury on Thursday 23 February. Around 160 young people aged between 11 and 15 attended the event. The pupils were invited to join a number of different conversations to discuss issues including mental health, sexual harassment, LGBTQ+/Pride, knife crime, access for people in rural communities, spaces and places for young people and SEND rights and awareness.

In addition to taking part in the discussions, some of the young people were given the opportunity to take part in behind-the-scenes roles including helping to run the lighting and sound desk, stage set up, reporting, videoing and managing social media output.

Dani, who attended the event, said: “I met people like me from other schools and got to hear what they think.” The sentiment was supported by Jack, who also voiced that: "I got to tell them what I think."

Anita Cranmer, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, who attended the summit said: “Thank you to all those who attended this event, it was great to see so many young people engage in the discussions, bringing their own experiences into the conversations and offering valuable insights and viewpoints. Our plan is to use the output from this event to continue these discussions and ultimately to use the information and insights to help shape future services and provision for young people in Buckinghamshire.”

The Youth Summit has been planned by the county-wide Youth Voice forum, which is a central part of the new Youth Voice Bucks programme. The Youth Voice Bucks programme provides a range of opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to get involved in decision making and shaping how services are run. Find out more on the website.