To ensure the Youth Voice work supported by the YWU Y&H reflects the needs and aspirations of young people from across the region, it is overseen and facilitated by our Youth Board (formally the Steering Group). The Youth Board is made up of representatives from each Local Authority area and the Groups / areas of work they identify they want to work on.

The Youth Board ensures young people’s views are heard and are taken seriously in matters which affect them. The Youth Board provides opportunities for young people from across the region to participate in social action programmes, identifying who they need to influence and work with including MPs, Metro Mayors, Police and Crime Commissioners, LA officers, Councillors, Health bodies, service providers, businesses and others to progress their concerns or in response to invitations and consultations.

The Youth Board (YB) focuses on issues that cross LA geographical boundaries, plan and drive the work forward. This embodies the YWU’s commitment to promoting young people’s voice and influence which is a key objective for the YWU and is set out in our Youth Voice strategy.

The YB meets online monthly and quarterly in person, to plan, facilitate and evaluate thematic events and gatherings for groups of their peers where they can meet with and influence Decision and Policy Makers.  They also plan and help deliver the annual induction residential training event. A key role is applying for funding to deliver their work over the course of the year.

For the latest report on Youth Voice Work see the YWU YH annual report.