What is the Reading Youth Council?
We 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 also get involved in projects.
We make a difference by voicing all our opinions to the decision makers. Some of the things we do include:
Joining the Reading Youth Council is a fantastic opportunity to have your say on issues that are important to you, develop personally and also enhance your CV or personal statement.
The Reading Youth Council also works with the Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership, the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP), the Children in Care Council, senior managers at Brighter Futures for Children, councillors at Reading Borough Council and local voluntary groups and the community.
So get involved and make a difference!
To find out more or to join email readingyouthcouncil@brighterfuturesforchildren.org.
Or you can contact our Participation Officer via the Children in Care Council email address cicc@brighterfuturesforchildren.org.
Reading Youth Council nominations are open!
Now is the time to apply to become a member of RYC.
To apply, you’ll need to complete a form to outline your manifesto and interests.
The application will close on 19 June 2023.
If you’re successful, you’ll be notified by 23 June 2023, so that new council members are able to attend the inaugural new council meeting on 27 June 2023.
About the Youth Council
The Reading Youth Council meets up every other Tuesday during term time, from 4.30pm to 6pm. We are currently meeting online.
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 approximately two hours a 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.
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!
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).
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 six 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.
Make Your Mark is an opportunity for 11-18 year olds across the UK to have their say and begin their democratic journey by voting on the policies they want to introduce or change. This is run by the British Youth Council and determines what campaigns the UKYP focus on each year. Find out more about it here.
We are a strong elected voice, representing the young people of Reading. It is a very effective way for young people to communicate with decisions makers, to have our say and have influence on decisions which affect us and other young people.
To learn more about the role and purpose of Reading Youth Council, you can read our constitution here.