Category: News

Following training over February Half Term and an election for Chair, Vice Chair and Members of Youth Parliament in March, the fourth cohort of the Luton Youth Council Launched on 8th April to distinguished guests such as the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Labour Elect Leader of Luton Council and the Chief Executive of the Council as well as many Councillors and council staff. The new cohort have already spoken a lot about concerns for safety, mental health and making sure the voice of young people are heard! We wish them well as they start their two year journey!

On 25th March, Youth Councillors were invited to attend Luton Youth Conference and Awards 2026 held by CYCD at Crescent Hall. Not only did our chair speak alongside Corporate Director for Children’s Services, Dheeraj Chibber, but she also won an award for Rising Star!

Great news! Luton Youth Council has just launched their new Radio Show on Thrusdays at 6pm at Diverse FM! Listen Live online or on 102.8FM To watch last the first show – follow the link below!

Have you used our intervention plan My Journey whilst working with someone from YPS? We want to hear from you! Please complete this very short survey to tell us your thoughts! https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/O1AHVL/

On 20th January, Youth Council Chair Shifa, and Vice Chair Natasha, presented at the Full Council Meeting with updates about the work of the Youth Council. Take a look from 4 minutes and 40 seconds in!

Are you interested in being part of the next cohort of Youth Councillors? Email Louise.Underwood@luton.gov.uk for an application form!The deadline is 19th December!

The Youth Councillors Shifa and Anniyah hosted the Hope Hack Event at Luton Town Football club, talking about the need to end Violence against women and girls. Alishbah and Manha also led part of the Voice of the Child Conference in Flitwick alongside peers from Central Beds Youth Parliament. Eshal and Amish were invited to be part of the panel of Luton’s first Women’s conference, where they alongside other youth representatives spoke about the need for improved safety and increased support

This month has been particularly busy for the Youth Council! It started with our UK Youth Parliament Members Ali and Yousuf returning to the House of Commons, with Yousuf being able to speak about the importance of Mental Health Support for young people. This makes Yousuf the first Member of Youth Parliament for Luton to speak in the House of Commons! Take a look at him in action!

The Youth Councillors also held a stall within Luton Point over half term, raising awareness of the signs of Domestic Abuse in correlation to Luton Council and Womens Aid’s Raising Red and Flying Green Campaign. We engaged with nearly 90 members of the public in conversation around warning signs, support services and available and writing positive messages to survivors.  Thank you to all those who came and spoke to us!  If you or someone you know may be suffering from Domestic Abuse, please reach out to https://womensaidinluton.org/ who can support those of all genders.

We are so privileged and pleased to announce that three members of the Youth Council were winners at the first ever Luton Youth Awards!  Our Chair, Shifa (centre) won The Young Steam Personality of the Year Award for her development of a mental health support game using the new C++ self taught platform and python. Member of Youth Parliament, Yousuf (right) won The Inspirational Person of the Year Award for his role as one of the first UK Youth Parliament Members for Luton, where he serves as Vice Chair of the Education and Wellbeing Committee.  Our second Member of Youth Parliament, Ali (left) won The Young Leader of the Year Award, for his role as Young Leader in his Scouts group, his work within leadership programmes, his role as mentor at Unleashing Potential and role as MYP. A congratulations to the three of you for all your outstanding contributions to Luton!