Category: News

Here we began with a discussion with MPs from the Liberal Democrats, and Labour about safety on public transport, healthcare, and improvements in education, but also about the current cost of living with taxes and mortgages. This was an enriching opportunity to understand how the people in power are improving our lives and supporting the youth of the country. After the discussion, we were split into groups with people all across the region. Within these groups, we were given different tasks where points were available in the competition between groups. Our first task was to write a letter to a councillor explaining why we believe that the closure of youth clubs would not be beneficial for the youth of a town. Following this, the second task was to plan a discussion with the councillor who was still not convinced that closing youth clubs was a bad idea. To ensure our discussion was fluent and persuasive, we had to plan things like date, time, location, and funding plans as if we were planning a real event. The third task was to organise a rally/protest which we eventually had to perform, advocating against the reduction and closure of youth clubs. It was interesting to see what the other groups had come up with as we had many creative and expressive forms including singing, dancing, and plays. After the rallies were over, our points gained were tallied and the winners were announced. Overall, the day was a fantastic experience where we had the opportunity to network with other youth councils in the region and learn more about how we can support the youth of Luton in voicing our opinions and improving the town for everyone. Written by Shifa, the chair of the Luton Youth Council

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.

The Knife Angel, a towering 27-ft sculpture crafted from over 100,000 seized blades, will be officially launched at a  opening ceremony on Saturday 3 August in St George’s Square. It presents a striking visual reminder of the devastating impact of violent behaviour but also as a poignant memorial honouring the lives tragically lost to senseless acts of aggression. We invite everyone to join us on Saturday, 3 August at 12pm, to witness this extraordinary event hear from local leaders, organisations and those directly affected by knife crime. The Knife Angel’s visit to Luton will be marked by a series of significant anti-violence events and activities throughout August. For more details: https://knifeangelluton.com/ If you’re able to embed the video of the Knife Angel’s arrival on the page that would be great. We have posted the videos on out social media accounts, apologies I don’t think we tagged you:

The Artful Voices Knife Angel Exhibition is officially open. A space to engage in meaningful and progressive discussions that raise awareness of knife crime, bringing us together in unity to celebrate the voices of the young people of Luton. This exhibition highlights the effects knife crime can have on young people through a multitude of features, such as a hope and canvas wall, a VR experience, and a sound booth. We hope this experience will not only showcase the spoken words and creative pieces from youth voices, but also invite you to engage in conversations that inspire us to take power in constructing the future of knife crime. ⏰ 10:30-4:30 📅 23rd-27th July 📍The Hat Factory, Luton.

Funded by the Youth Partnership Service in an inspiring partnership with British Ironworks, Luton Council, Luton Rising, Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation, Mary Seacole and Wingman Mentors. This initiative is taking place in the months of June – August 2024. Designed to raise awareness about knife crime among the youth of Luton, this project offers a creative platform for young people to express their views and make their voices heard. Raising Awareness Through Education Wingman Mentors are leading the charge with impactful interventions in local schools. They educate young people about knife crime’s dangers and consequences through dynamic assemblies and workshops. These sessions are more than informational—they are designed to ignite meaningful discussions and empower students to become advocates for change in their communities. A Creative Competition with a Purpose Artful Voices is more than an educational campaign; it’s a call to action for Luton’s youth. The initiative invites young people to participate in a creative competition, encouraging them to express their thoughts and feelings about knife crime through various art forms. This competition allows for powerful and diverse expressions, whether this is through poetry, rap, spoken word, or music. The competition is divided into two age groups, with a £500 prize voucher for the winner and runner-up prizes in each group. The most compelling work will have the unique opportunity to be featured on the Knife Angel via augmented reality (AR), bringing its message to a wider audience in a cutting-edge format. Showcasing Talent at the Hat Factory The journey doesn’t end with the competition. Mary Seacole Housing will host an exhibition showcasing all the entries, at the Hat Factory. There is a special presentation on 23rd July. The public can view the exhibition from 24th to 25th July, providing a platform for these young voices to be heard and appreciated by the wider community.  The Knife Angel Comes to Luton A significant highlight of this initiative is the arrival of the Knife Angel statue, a powerful symbol created by the British Ironworks Centre to raise awareness about knife crime. The statue will be displayed in St George’s Square, Luton, with a civic opening ceremony on 3rd August 2024. This iconic piece will serve as a poignant reminder of the impact of knife crime and the importance of initiatives like Artful Voices in combating this issue. Community Engagement and Solutions The Youth Partnership Service is committed to continuing the conversation and finding solutions to knife crime in Luton. By hosting community interventions and solutions, they aim to create a safer environment for the young people of Luton, ensuring that the voices heard through Artful Voices lead to real change.

The Youth Partnership Service is excited to announce that we will be coordinating the under-18 volunteers for BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend! Known as the Young Festival Makers, young people will be able to volunteer for a day to support visitors to the town and help pride an electric buzz on the way to Stockwood Park! Interested in getting involved with Big Weekend? We are lucky enough to be co-ordinating the Young Festival Makers! Those 14 and above can email youth@luton.gov.uk to register your interest! Training will be provided!