Between 25th and 27th August the UK Youth Parliament will meet in person for their annual conference in Hull.
Members of Youth Parliament will explore issues, participate in training and debate the 3 national topics voted on by young people this summer.
Mental health, wellbeing and safe spaces
Specific national campaign ask: Every school, college and youth centre should have a clear, youth-friendly mental health and wellbeing support offer, including early identification of SEND and mental health needs from primary age, named support routes, access to counselling or wellbeing provision, and safe spaces where young people can seek help early.
Clear commitments to seek:
1) Named mental health/wellbeing lead in every school and youth centre.
2) Published SEND and mental health referral routes for pupils and families, including primary-age early identification.
3) Regular student consultation on whether support, safe spaces and wellbeing provision are relevant and accessible.
Potential outcome: Young people get help earlier, know where to go, feel safer in school and community settings, and are less likely to wait until a crisis before support begins.
Anti-hate crime and anti-discrimination education
Specific national campaign ask: Age-appropriate anti-racism, anti-discrimination and anti-bullying education should be embedded through primary and secondary education, alongside specialist support and improved reporting for hate crime.
Clear commitments to seek:
1) Mandatory anti-hate and anti-discrimination learning.
2) Improved reporting routes for online and offline hate.
3) Specialist support signposting for victims.
Potential outcome: More tolerant school communities, stronger cultural understanding, and better support for young people affected by hate.
Jobs and your future: employability, apprenticeships, work experience and routes into opportunity
Specific national campaign ask: Young people should have equal access to meaningful work experience, practical employability education and routes into work, regardless of where they live, their background or whether traditional education routes fit their circumstances.
Clear commitments to seek:
1) Strengthen PSHE/careers provision from an earlier age with CV writing, interview skills, workplace expectations, financial literacy and careers guidance.
2) Increase the availability, quality and diversity of work experience placements, including incentives for employers where appropriate.
3) Provide schools, employers and training providers with clear guidance, high-quality resources and chances for PSHE/careers leads to share best practice, with flexible support for young people at risk of NEET.
Potential outcome: More young people build confidence, workplace skills and informed career choices, with fairer access to employment, training and meaningful workplace experiences.