NPT Youth Council
Who are they?
NPT Youth Council are a group of young people from Neath Port Talbot aged between 11 and 25 who go that extra mile to champion Children’s Rights by empowering young people to have a say and influence change in decisions affecting their lives.
What do they do?
The Youth Council meet with decision-makers at a local level to amplify their voices, enrich decision-making processes, share perspectives and participate as active citizens, volunteers, campaigners, and facilitators of change. As part of its work, the Youth Council meet with elected members every three months and petition councillors effectively on behalf of young people living in Neath Port Talbot.
Youth Council members also get involved in their communities and in democratic processes regionally and nationally. They have representation on BAYouth (Swansea Bay University Health Board Youth Advisory Panel), the UK Youth Parliament and are Young Ambassadors with Public Health Wales and the British Youth Council.
They have made a measurable impact over the years as passionate advocates for those who are vulnerable or less able to speak for themselves through creating opportunities for young people to participate as elected members and have a voice e.g. LGBTQ+, BAME, Looked after Children and Young Carers.
In 2018 NPT Youth Council successfully achieved a national award in recognition of their outstanding work on championing the rights of children and young people. The award was presented to members of the Youth Council for ‘Promoting Young People's Rights at the Welsh Government's Youth Excellence Awards Ceremony on Friday 29 June 2018.
How to get involved?
Democratic Youth Council Elections are held every two years. Creating opportunities for special interest groups to participate is key, and the 2019 - 2021 youth council maintains a vibrant, inclusive and representative body within NPTCBC.