About H&F Youth Voice
In Hammersmith and Fulham, we truly value the voices and lived experiences of our young people. For us it is vital that they help shape our borough, decisions that are made and the opportunities and services available, to ensure it is a safe and thriving place for ALL of our young people.
Youth Council
Our Youth Council is open to ALL young people aged 11-25 inclusive of young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We co-produce activities, services and opportunities for young people to ensure that are what our young people want and need. We also want to ensure that young people have access to all the information and support they need so help with getting key messages out to young people, have debates and discussions, carry out research projects to ensure we are capturing everyone's views and plan out events for young people to get involved in.
"Being involved in the youth council for over three years has been so rewarding! I love being able to have an impact on young people across the borough by advocating for our voices, as well as grow personally through the role of being a youth councillor with so many other passionate young people."
"I have been at youth council for a bit over a year and it's been really rewarding as there are so many new opportunities in the borough. it is also a great way to see your thoughts and ideas to help young people in the borough come into action. I'd really recommend it! "
"I have been in youth council for over a year now, with an extremely supportive leader, who always encourages us to help out in the borough. Our thoughts and opinions really matter in youth council. It really is a nice place to express your feelings about certain topics that matter to you most. I really like it :)."
Youth Council elections
Hammersmith & Fulham's Youth Mayor and Member of Youth Parliament biannual elections take place every two years bringing new young people into the position.
Young people who live, work or go to school in H&F can vote. Elections took place in March 2024 and the current Youth Cabinet will be in post until March 2026
Find out more about the 2024 elections and the Youth Council members Youth Parliament and Youth Mayor and the 2024 Youth Council elections
What is involved in H&F Youth Council?
In H&F Youth Council, you will be part of a hybrid of weekly meetings in person or online every Tuesday during term time, where you will be able to share your ideas, opinions and experiences on topics that affect young people today. Being part of Youth Council you will also get a lot of opportunities in and around the borough, networking with many different organisations and services that want to help make young people's experiences better.
Key priorities
Youth Council currently focuses on 5 key areas that affect young people in the borough and they are:
- Inclusion – Having an inclusive and diverse range of youth council members from all different walks of life.
- Staying Safe - Ensuring that young people feel safe in and around the borough and feel comfortable in expressing themselves.
- Mental Health - A welcoming space for young people who need support. It can help identify and have access the help when and if needed.
- Work Experience - To gain the experience, skills and qualities needed to prepare you for work.
- Life Skills - Having and developing the skills needed to help young people function well at the workplace.
Get involved in the Youth Council
- Are you aged 11 to 25?
- Do you live, study or work in the borough of Hammersmith & Fulham?
- Care about other young people and
- Want an opportunity to discuss topics that will impact your future
- Something positive on your CV
To find out more contact Brenda.Whinnett@lbhf.gov.uk
H&F Youth Council Recruitment Video
Youth Voice progress
Here are some of the highlights and achievements from Youth Council
- We captured the views of over 3000 young people on what they want and need in relation to our priorities
- We worked with key professionals to produce an action plan of key things that we can collectively achieve
- We have co-produced and user tested the Best for You websites on mental health and our Youth Hub to be one central source of information for young people www.lbhf.gov.uk/youth-hub
- We produced a podcast series and accompanying set of PHSE resources on Healthy Relationships
- Multiple sessions held with young people to inform ASB, Hate Crime and Vaping Strategies.