Youth Voice Partnernship Meeting
Here is a brief summary from this meeting on the 8th July 2025
What exactly is an LCEP?
“LCEPs support children and young people to fulfil their creative potential and access high-quality cultural experiences where they live, where they go to school, and where they spend their free time. Partners come together from across sectors, responding to local needs and interests, to drive a more joined- up cultural education offer, share resources, and improve the visibility of cultural education in their local area.”
As described by Sally Clifford from North Yorkshire Youth and Forge in her short presentation.
Other presentations included Fleur Robinson and Jack Marsden, Forge’s Young Associates who shared an update on the work they have been doing with Forge in social media/ website research and development as well as supporting a fundraising process.
We also heard from Sarah McWatt Director of AMP / Co- chair of Forge who shared AMP’s approach of working with young people.
Alice Skaith from FEAST shared findings from their Teen Voice Survey.
Rebecca Denniff- Director of Flash Company Arts shared insights from Flash, the importance of dynamic and responsive planning, and the relationship between a youth voice approach and inclusion for all.
Case Study activity
The participants in the meeting divided into break out rooms to explore and discuss some scenarios focusing on youth voice. Participants were invited to consider
1) What in the scenario had been done in good faith
2) What missed the mark
3) What could be improved or done in a more authentic way
Some insights and observations shared about Youth Voice.
Often people drawn to youth voice have experience of being disadvantaged themselves, we need to make sure we don’t focus on what we needed as a child but listen to what young people need now
Wouldn’t it be great to think that Youth voice is the norm. It allows young people to know their role and value in society
A project shared how they also check photo permissions directly with children and young people.
Some adults have expressed concern that youth voice is taking away their voice/ jobs (this is not true!)
Really good youth voice is about collaboration and sharing responsibility not about losing jobs.
Co-producing isn’t everybody doing the same thing. Equity isn’t everybody doing the same thing.
Youth voice is NOT a reductive thing, it can be expansive.
We can build a better society focused on inclusion.