Young people’s zone

We may be called Brighter Futures for Children but that doesn’t mean we don’t support young people – we provide lots of services for anyone aged 13+ too.

Who is the Reading Youth Council?

Reading Youth Council LogoWe are a group of elected representatives for the young people of Reading, who campaign on issues that have been highlighted both locally and nationally.

We make a difference by voicing all our opinions to the decision makers. Some of the things we do include:

  • Taking part in planning, delivering and evaluating services for young people
  • Consulting, meeting and influencing decision makers
  • Consulting with young people
  • Promoting positive images of young people
  • Taking part in interviews for Brighter Futures for Children
  • Campaigning for important issues for all young people in Reading

Joining the Youth Council is a fantastic opportunity to have your say on issues that are important to you, develop personally and also enhance your C.V. or personal statement.

The Youth Council also works with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB), the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP), the Children-in-Care Council, senior managers and Councillor’s and voluntary groups and the community.

So get involved and make a difference!

Reading Youth Council

More about the Youth Council

How often does the Youth Council meet?

The Reading Youth Council meets up every other Tuesday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

How much time does the Youth Council take up?

Like all things, the more you put in the more you will get out of being on the Youth Council.  We anticipate Youth Council will take approx 2hrs per week on average, though if there is something you are really passionate about you may find yourself spending a bit more.  No matter how much you do, you should make sure that it does not interfere with school or college commitments.

What happens in a Youth Council meeting?

The meetings are run by us - the young people on the Youth Council. We decide what we are going to talk about; this could be about our campaign work or issues affecting young people.  The Council decide who to invite to our meetings and who we would like to meet. This could be people like councillors and MPs, and people who work with young people. Our meetings are not all work – we try to do some fun things as well!

What do I get out of being on the Youth Council?

You will have the opportunity to campaign on issues that affect you and the young people you represent.   You will meet new people, get involved in exciting projects and develop new skills (and maybe improve existing ones).

What is UKYP?

UKYP stands for United Kingdom Youth Parliament. If you are a member of the youth Council you are eligible to stand for election to be Reading’s Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP). The MYP attend regional meetings approximately every 6 weeks. The MYP attends the UKYP Annual Sitting and takes part in a debate which is held in the Houses of Parliament. UKYP is an opportunity to represent young people on a national basis and may involve things such as attending meetings with government ministers.

What happens if I'm not successful?

Don’t worry – there are loads of other things that you can get involved in if you want to represent the views of young people in Reading.

Have a look at our young people's zone for more ideas of groups to get involved with.

The Elections

Who can stand for election?

Anyone who lives, works or goes to school or college in Reading can stand for election.

How old do I have to be?

As long as you are aged between 11 - 18 years on 1 January 2021, you can stand for election.

How many places are there on the Council?

Each year a number of places are available, divided between the four localities of Reading (see bullet points below).

Watch out for info on the next elections in 2021.

  • North RG4
  • South RG2
  • East RG1, RG6
  • West RG30, RG31
Which schools are eligible?

All schools within the Reading borders are eligible to put candidates forward for election.  In addition, if you attend any of the schools on the outskirts of Reading such as Denefield, Little Heath, Chiltern Edge or Oakbank you can put yourself forward.

If you attend another school out of Reading but live in an area with the postcodes listed above, you will be eligible to stand.

How are candidates elected on to the Council?

Voting will take place in schools and colleges. For each locality, the four candidates with the most votes will be given a place on the Council.

If I decide to stand what do I do?

If I decide to stand what do I do?

Here's what you'd have to do if you wanted to stand in the elections - dates will be added for the 2021 elections soon.

  1. Fill in the Reading Youth Council Nomination form and send it to us
  2. Think about why you want to be on the Youth Council and prepare some notes
  3. Come to a filming session where we will film your 1 minute campaign.
  4. Take notes and advice from us and our workers on how to campaign and get the votes you need.
What happens then?

You can start campaigning after February half-term. All schools will be given the chance to show the campaign video and hold assemblies to promote the chance to vote

  • Closing date for nominations and all timescales for 2021 yet to be announced.