Author: mshaadmin

On 30th November, 11 youth councillors, with two staff, attended the UK Youth Parliament Regional Conference in London. This involved hearing from politicians from the Liberal Democrat and Labour Parties about their views on transport, health and community. Then, as youth councillors, alongside peers from all over London, south, and east of England, we got involved in our campaigns in a fictional town called Forgeford, where the councillor was cutting funding for young people! We had a lot to say about that! We also attended a consultation at Mary Seacole Housing Association, where we learned about a new project and shared our views—as well as some pizza! We can’t wait to announce this project next year! On 9th December, many youth councillors attended the Schools Council Conference at the University of Bedfordshire, with the Chair, Shifa, and Amish forming part of the panel. The event was all about Luton’s 2040 Vision and how well Luton is doing so far.  We are also continuing to develop ideas around our campaign areas, with campaign leaders meeting with local organisations, ensuring good partnership work with the community. We will see you in the new year with more updates and more work ensuring the voice of young people in Luton is heard!

Here’s what Yousuf had to say about it! Representing Luton at the UK Youth Parliament Annual Conference at the University of Warwick was an unforgettable milestone. As part of Luton’s first-ever cohort to attend, we joined young, ambitious, and like-minded MYPs from across the UK to debate policies, share ideas, and shape a bold manifesto for the 2024–2026 term. The weekend was an inspiring and eye-opening experience, with passionate discussions on some of the most pressing issues young people face today. Topics ranged from lowering the voting age to 16–17 with political education to campaigning for free youth transport—policies that truly reflect the priorities of our generation. Other standout issues included moving away from a Eurocentric education system in favour of a more inclusive approach, ensuring financial literacy for all, addressing the pink tax by providing free menstrual products in public spaces, and tackling climate change as a global crisis. Mental health reform and inclusive RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) were also major highlights. After hours of thoughtful debate, many of these policies are now on a national ballot, giving young people across the UK the chance to decide the top priorities for the years ahead. This democratic process ensures that every voice contributes to shaping our collective future, laying the foundation for lasting change. The conference wasn’t just about policy—it was about connection. We attended two workshops, grouped into different categories such as the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, and the Department for Health. Collaborating with MYPs from all walks of life highlighted how united we are in our passion for change. Hearing about the challenges and triumphs faced by other constituencies was both humbling and inspiring. This experience wasn’t just historic for Luton—it was deeply personal. It marked a moment where our voices, perspectives, and determination as young people came together to pave the way for a brighter, fairer future. It’s safe to say, the future is in good hands!

Luton’s Youth Council members took center stage at the “Leading for Sustainability in BLMK – A Burning Ambition for Change” conference, bringing fresh perspectives to the table on health and climate change. Held as part of the Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board’s efforts to advance a regional green plan, the event highlighted the critical intersection of environmental sustainability and public health. Youth Council representatives engaged in discussions with professionals, sharing their views on pressing climate and health issues. They also participated in a panel discussion, emphasizing the importance of integrating youth voices into decision-making processes to achieve a greener, healthier future for Luton. Keynote speaker Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, inspired attendees by highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices in healthcare and beyond. The conference provided a unique platform for the Youth Council to ensure that the perspectives of young people are central to local sustainability strategies. Their participation not only exemplifies Luton’s commitment to intergenerational dialogue but also underscores the vital role of young leaders in shaping a sustainable future. For more details about the conference and its objectives, visit the BLMK Health and Care Partnership website.

Youth Councillors both past and new attended alongside Youth Partnership Service representatives and partner agencies on impactful event to say farewell to Luton’s time with the Knife Angel. The statue, fashioned from thousands of confiscated knives, was a towering presence in St George’s Square throughout August. Throughout the month numerous events linked to the Knife Angel’s visit ensured the voices of knife crime victims and their families were heard, while Bedfordshire Police staged Operation Sceptre, encouraging people to leave unwanted knives in amnesty bins, engaged with retailers and carried out weapon sweeps. The closing ceremony for the Knife Angel started with a service in St Mary’s Church. Ribbons were then placed on the Tree of Hope outside the church and a candlelit procession then walked along the high street to St George’s Square. Speakers form the council, local organisations, families of knife crime victims and local poets talked about the impact of the Knife Angel, not just in Luton but around the country. The event ended with some words of remembrance from Vicar of St Mary’s Church, Mike Jones. The Knife Angel has now moved on to Havering, continuing the spread the message about the consequences of knife crime in all its forms.

Created in partnership with children and young people this consequences card has useable interactive features whereby children and young people can get access to help and information. Scan the QR code for the augmented reality video or go directly to the Tap Out app download page to interact with scenarios developed and co-produced by children and young people in Luton. This interactive app also has a chat helpline feature which young people can ask for help anonymously or not and this is linked to an outreach service so if you need help or information to help you, it is there for you. There is also a mobile telephone line to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) if you need help. This isn’t just a consequence card, it has some real time access to help and advice for children and young people who don’t know where to turn if they need help.

Congratulations to Zoubair Aouam and Moeez Amjad, who were Winner and Runner Up respectively, of the Young Achiever Luton’s Best Awards at a special ceremony at Luton Hoo on Friday. Both are proud members of the Luton Youth Council and show the positive changes young people make to their local community. Here are some pictures from the ceremony, where Youth Voice and Participation Co-ordinator Louise was invited to attend to represent Youth Partnership Service and Luton Youth Council, alongside the Mayor and other representatives from Luton Services.