Our youth council represents young people in the city. Find out about the youth council and how to get involved.
Brighton & Hove Youth Council (BHYC) is made up of young people aged 13 to 19 (and up to aged 25 with SEND), who are elected or nominated from local schools, colleges or youth groups.
BHYC meets at least once a month and represents the views and listens to the voices of young people in the city. The Youth Council aims to represent all young people’s views and opinions and influence decisions made by politicians, councilors and other local and national decision makers. They run campaigns about important issues, currently one to help ‘Protect the Environment’, as well as attend youth voice meetings and have a seat on the Children & Young People’s Skills Committee.
The Youth Council exists to actively promote article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, which says:
“Children have the right to say what they think should happen, when adults are making decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account”.
Being a member of the youth council, you will be able to develop your skills in:
“I joined the youth council at the start of my second year of secondary school as someone who wasn't very confident, but wanted to put themselves forward for things. I knew I could do it, I just hadn’t yet. My confidence has been boosted significantly and I have felt a sense of purpose and responsibility in representing the views of the local youth.
“I have helped run and gather votes for the Make Your Mark Ballot Paper and I am proud to have received both the bronze and silver certificates for my hours, which kick started my CV. The entire experience has been great. I hope it's able to carry on and prosper in future years.”
Alfie Wingfield, Brighton & Hove Youth Council member, 2016 to 2019
“For me, youth council has been a real game changer for me in many different ways. For example, understanding the aspects of the council in more depth compared to not being in the BYHC, more social skills and public speaking which will be a huge skill I need in the future. It is actually a fun thing to attend because of the different kinds of characters of people there are.” Zac Capewell, Youth Council member
In February 2021 schools across Brighton & Hove came together virtually to ask important questions about the climate emergency to their three local MPs, Caroline Lucas (Green Party), Lloyd Russell-Moyle (Labour), Peter Kyle (Labour), as well as, local councillor, Samer Bagaeen (Conservative) who is a member of the council's Carbon Neutral Member Working Group.
If you’d like to know more about youth council or to get involved, either speak to your school youth group leader or contact John Lewry:
John Lewry
Lead Youth Participation Worker
Email: john.lewry@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Tel: 01273 294 248
Mobile: 07785 432468
Additionally, learn more about the UK Youth Parliament.