Your voice matters.
At Youth Active, we want every young person to feel involved in the decisions that affect them. Here is how we make that happen and why your participation matters more than you might think.
We want all young people to feel involved in the decisions that affect them, and to have the chance for their voices to be heard. Not just occasionally, and not just as a token gesture. Genuinely, meaningfully, and at every stage.
Too many services are built for young people without young people. We want to do things differently. And we have put the structures in place to make sure we do.
Our young ambassador board
One of the main ways we encourage participation is through our Young Ambassador Board. The board is made up of young people aged 3 to 18, and it plays an integral role in representing Youth Active and the wider views of the young people we support.
What does the Young Ambassador Board do?
The board gives young people a direct line into how Youth Active runs. Members share their views, represent their peers, help shape our programmes, and hold us to account when we are not listening well enough.
This is not a consultation box that gets ticked once a year. It is an ongoing, active role for young people who want to help build something better in Newham.
How we support young people: six guiding principles
To make sure every young person has the best possible experience with us, all staff at Youth Active follow a set of six guiding principles. These were created by young people themselves, not by adults deciding what young people should want.
“You must support us to feel empowered so that we can create positive and influential change.”
“You must see us as individuals with different needs and circumstances, and make sure that we're able to participate in a way that's right for us.”
“You must make sure that we have equal chances to participate and feel heard.”
“You must thank us for taking the time to work with you and celebrate our achievements.”
“You must have safe spaces for us to participate, both face-to-face and online.”
“You must make sure there are plenty of enjoyable activities for us to take part in.”
If at any point you feel we are not following these principles, it is important that you hold us to account. You can give feedback on your experiences at any time. Good or bad, we want to hear from you.
What is youth participation?
To us, youth participation means that children and young people have every opportunity to take part, be heard, and see real change in the decisions that affect them.
Do you have the right to participate?
Yes. Your right to participate in decisions that affect you is listed in a legal document called the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The UNCRC makes clear that human rights apply to children and young people just as much as they do to adults.
This means every child and young person has the right to express themselves and have their views considered in everything that affects them. That is not a nice idea. It is a legal right.
What are the benefits of youth participation in Newham?
Meaningful participation benefits everybody. We can learn so much from you. Your participation helps us identify new opportunities and shapes our thinking for years to come.
For you as a young person:
Have more chances to have a say in the things that matter to you
Feel more in control of the decisions that affect your life
Develop skills in decision making, influencing, communication, confidence, and resilience
Gain a greater understanding of your own and other people's needs and rights
Meet new people, make new friends, and experience new things while building your CV
For Youth Active:
Your participation helps us get a deeper understanding of your wants, needs, wishes, and feelings. By working with you, our services and programmes will meet real needs rather than just the ones we assume are important.
Your views and lived experiences help us make better decisions, stay connected to young people in Newham, make our work more inclusive, and spend the money we have in better ways.
How can you get involved?
There are lots of different ways you can get involved and have a say in what we do. This includes:
Workshops and meetings
Invitations to attend workshops and meetings with decision makers who shape what youth services look like in Newham.
Speaking opportunities
Opportunities to speak at events, share your experiences, and represent young people in your community.
Campaigning for change
Get behind causes that matter to you and help push for changes that will make a real difference locally.
Young Ambassador Board
Join the board and have a direct, ongoing role in how Youth Active is run and what it prioritises.
If you are interested and want to find out more, head to our activities page or get in touch directly.
Your voice shapes what we do.
Youth Active is open to all young people aged 3 to 18 in Newham and East London. Come and be part of a community that is built around you, not just for you.