Empowering Change: Key Takeaways from the North East Youth Symposium

Empowering the Future: Highlights from the North East Youth Symposium

I had the incredible privilege of being part of the North East Youth Symposium, an event organized by the National Citizen Service Trust (NCS) this past July. It was a day brimming with inspiration, passion, and a collective drive for change. The room was filled with young people and change-makers, all united in a common purpose: to amplify the voices of the youth and address the critical issues that affect them today.

A Powerful Gathering of Voices

The energy in the room was nothing short of electric. Young people from across the North East came together to highlight the challenges they face in their daily lives. From poverty and inequality to issues with mental health, education, and community safety, the conversations were real, raw, and urgent. But more importantly, they were solutions-oriented. These young people are not just passive observers, they are actively shaping the future they want to see.

Key Themes Raised by Young People

The themes discussed during the symposium were both thought-provoking and deeply impactful. The young voices in the room spoke with clarity about the changes they want to see, including:

• Community Safety: Many young people expressed concerns about unsafe community spaces, where they feel vulnerable or excluded.

• Relationships with the Police: Strained relationships between young people and law enforcement were highlighted as a major barrier to trust and safety.

• Lack of Youth Spaces and Mentors: Young people shared how the lack of safe spaces and positive role models affects their growth and development.

• Education: Schools, they said, should be more than just institutions focused on grades. They need to become supportive, happier environments that nurture well-being and personal growth.

• Employment and Opportunities: Young people called for more inclusive hiring practices, encouraging employers to look beyond traditional CVs and embrace open-minded, diverse hiring policies.

• Mental Health and Timely Support: The importance of early interventions and equal access to mental health services was emphasized, with a focus on ensuring no young person is left behind.

These voices, these stories, cannot be ignored. They speak not just to the struggles young people face today, but to the need for immediate action. Young people are 20% of today, but 100% of the future. It’s time to take them seriously and listen to their concerns when key decisions and policies are being made.

My Role in Supporting and Empowering the Youth Symposium

Throughout the North East Youth Symposium, I had the privilege of supporting the planning and facilitation of this impactful event, working alongside an incredible team to ensure its success. As part of the event, I also had the opportunity to speak on a panel, engaging in important discussions about the issues that matter most to young people in the North East. It was an honor to provide a call to action at the end of the day, urging decision-makers to turn the powerful conversations into real change. The collaborative effort of everyone involved, including young people, youth sector organisations, and local leaders, made this event a pivotal moment for the future of the region’s youth. I’m proud to have been part of such a transformative experience that has already set the stage for meaningful progress.

The Call for Change

The passion in that room was undeniable. Young people are calling for change, and it is our duty to listen and act. Whether it's improving school environments, creating more accessible youth spaces, or ensuring fairer access to opportunities, we all have a role to play in building a brighter, more inclusive future for them.

As decision-makers, community leaders, and organizations, the time to act is NOW. Let’s work together to turn these powerful conversations into real, tangible change.

I am grateful to have been part of such an inspiring event, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the NCS team, especially Kirsty Beeston, Sabryna Porter, Rachael Oloyede, and Shekinnah Wilberforce, for allowing me to contribute to this important day.

Together, we can create a future where young people are empowered, supported, and heard. Let's make it happen.