Objective 1 - Youth Participation & Influence

What our young people said....

The hope for this strategy is that young people are listened to and heard. If it doesn't change now there will be no opportunities in the future, every voice is a tool for making change.

Why is this important?

Our commitment to participation is led by the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child.

Our aim is to have effective and meaningful participation which is an ongoing process rather than a one-off activity. Whenever asked, by whichever consultation process, young people in Preston always express a desire to be heard. We want to develop a culture where young people are genuinely listened to and are supported to become partners in a dialogue about issues that matter to them.

Appendix 3 seeks to provide a broad understanding of what participation means in the context of this strategy as there is a recognition that definition and delivery of the word can mean different things to different organisations - all of which have value.

What is already happening?

Since February 2023, youth organisations have joined forces to bring their young people together to help us develop this strategy. Together, the young people have helped us to develop the survey questions, discussed the survey results, helped to prioritise the issues raised and developed the strategy vision.

Preston's young people are already making a difference to help improve the service for young people by participating in a variety of youth panels organised by public sector bodies and the voluntary sector.

The variety of annual consultation exercises carried out by organisations (including those used to develop this document) have been collated and are being promoted widely to Preston young people so that they can exercise their voice in issues that matter to them.

What are we going to do?

Work to develop a culture that makes Preston a 'youth friendly' city that recognises the value of young people.

Develop a city-wide Youth Voices / Young Leaders model so that we have access to the voices of young people who can continue to work with us in developing and delivering this strategy.

Develop and enhance existing organisational youth panels so that young people are aware of how they can be involved with organisations and issues that matter to them.

Consider a programme of 'youth voice' events and experiences so that we can continue to engage with a wide range of young people.