Youth Council celebrates successful year and invites new members to get involved

As recruitment opens for new members, the youth council is also celebrating the launch of its brand-new logo - a project designed and led by young people in partnership with Speak Out Magazine.

The logo initiative invited students from schools across the district to submit their designs for a fresh youth council identity. Following a competitive selection process, youth council members reviewed the shortlisted entries and chose a winning design created by a student from Welland Park Academy.

The winning artwork was then refined by a professional designer and is now proudly displayed on badges worn by youth council members, councillors and council officers. The new logo provides a distinctive identity for the group and reflects the creativity and talent of young people across the district.

The logo project is just one example of the opportunities available through the youth council. Over the past year, members have provided young people with a platform to influence decision-making at both local and national levels. They have contributed to important consultations, including the National Youth Strategy and the Community Governance Review, ensuring the views of young people are represented.

The youth council has also led projects that have delivered tangible benefits for local young people. One example is the Finance Champions Programme, a government-funded workshop held at Kibworth Cricket Club in February, which provided Year 10 students from across the district with practical financial education. The initiative was developed in response to concerns raised by young people that financial education is not covered sufficiently in schools.

With meetings due to resume in September, the youth council is now looking to welcome new members who are passionate about making a difference.

Joining the youth council offers young people the chance to:

• Have their voice heard on local issues
• Help shape decisions that affect young people
• Take part in meaningful projects and campaigns
• Meet new people and build confidence
• Develop valuable skills and experience for the future

The youth council is open to anyone aged 11-18 who lives, works or attends school in the Harborough district.

Over the summer, the youth council will be hosting informal drop-in sessions where young people can meet current members, learn more about what being part of the youth council involves and ask any questions they may have.

Young people interested in getting involved can contact Youth Engagement Officer Becca for an informal chat, with no pressure to join and no previous experience required.

To learn more about the impact of the youth council, read the group's End of Year Review, which highlights its achievements and successes over the past year: https://canva.link/aruq3bwzc2zviv6

Cllr Amanda Nunn, Cabinet Lead for Wellbeing and Housing, said: “The youth council gives young people a genuine opportunity to have their voices heard and make a real difference in their communities. The new logo is a fantastic example of the creativity and talent we have among young people across Harborough district. I would encourage anyone interested to come along to a drop-in session, meet current members and find out more about the opportunities available."

For more information, email Becca at youthvoice@harborough.gov.uk or call 07729 097726.