Over the past 15 years young people have faced a number of challenges.
The rise in prevalence of smart phones and social media mean that young people are at risk of exposure to mis and disinformation, the risks of which can be seen in the powerful Netflix drama Adolescence.
This is a harrowing example of how the challenges that young people face in their daily lives continue to change rapidly.
As such, it is right that young people should be involved in the policies that affect them. Not only are young people the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also the change-makers of today.
That is why this Labour government has been proud to launch the new ten-year National Youth Strategy, which will aim to tackle the challenges that this generation faces, to ensure that every young person can thrive.
This will bring power back to young people and their communities, improving youth focused services, and moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
The first step of the strategy has been to launch the ‘Deliver You’ campaign, which has been seeking views directly from young people across England to inform the National Youth Strategy.
This has included launching a survey for young people aged ten to 21, and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities and has been seeking views on youth services from those they are designed to serve.
This is one of the most ambitious listening exercises in a generation.
The survey is live until April 16, and can be found online at iwill.org.uk/nys-deliver-you.
We want as many young people as possible to take this opportunity to share their views, experiences, and ideas. Young people know best what really matters to them, and this government is keen to collect these views, so please do contribute to the survey if you are able to, or encourage the young people in your life to do so.
If you are a trusted adult, youth worker, teacher, or an organisation working with young people, consider running a quick discussion with the young people you work with to encourage them to share their views.
MPs across the country will be engaging with young people in similar ways, setting up group meetings to discuss what young people in the area would like to see the National Youth Strategy deliver.
As part of this, in my role of Minister for Youth, I have visited a number of youth groups to discuss the strategy and hear their thoughts.
This has included meeting with the Back Youth Alliance, who are a group of charities working to ensure that young people have access to the support they need.
I also met with Barnsley Youth Council here in our community to discuss the Strategy and speak about the issues that affect young people in our local area.
It has been inspiring to hear young people’s views on where support should be to deliver the services that they need.
Young people’s insights, experiences, ideas, and actions are vital in shaping inclusive, forward-thinking communities.
This government is committed to making that a reality in the shaping of the National Youth Strategy, and delivering the services that young people really need.
