Youth Summit brings young people from across Buckinghamshire together
Nearly 200 young people from 35 schools and youth groups across Buckinghamshire gathered yesterday (Monday 10 March)
The Bucks Youth Summit 2025 took place at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury. Now in its third year, the Youth Summit provides young people with a platform to share their voices and have a real impact on the biggest issues and areas of interest for young people in Buckinghamshire today.
The Youth Summit is youth-led, planned and hosted by the Youth Voice Executive Committee and with young people involved in all aspects, from the welcoming remarks, to facilitating in the workshops, and reporting on the event. The eight workshop topics were: Life After School; Mental Health; Politics; Substances; the police; the environment; Special Educational Needs and Disabilities; and LGBTQ+ issues.
“The Youth Summit has been created by young people for young people,” explained Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education, “And it works so well because so many professionals in Buckinghamshire know that to provide the best services to young people, they need to listen to their feedback, experiences and ideas – it’s what our Youth Participation Strategy is all about.”
A team of young journalists, supported by Aylesbury Youth Action (AYA) and the Council’s Youth Participation Team, took full ownership of the Summit’s media coverage. Reporters were given the freedom to choose how they captured the energy and impact of the day from those who were there.
“It’s a great way to get young people’s opinions on the issues that we are currently facing,” said Lonnie, one of the Young Journalists. “It was interesting to see all the different views people have.”
Anita added: “This has been the best year yet. Lots of excitement and very good engagement from the young people, which is going to make some tangible changes in lots of areas.”
The Youth Summit is a vital platform for young people in Buckinghamshire, empowering them to lead discussions, shape their communities, and take action on the issues that affect them most. It is praised for its inclusivity, with young people who are looked after, young carers, electively home educated, LGBTQ+, Not in Education, Employment and Training, and/or with SEND and youth justice experience, all supported to take part. The event remains a prime example of youth-led change in action.