Children and young people across Cardiff continue to play an active role in shaping their city, with 10 participatory opportunities delivered throughout October 2024. Although a smaller group took part this month, 17 dedicated young people volunteered a total of 53 hours, contributing their views, ideas and lived experience to influence decision-making in Cardiff and beyond.
Activities this month included:
- A Cardiff Youth Council (CYC) General Meeting and a CYC Executive Meeting, ensuring the youth voice remains central to citywide policy conversations;
- Participation in the UK Youth Parliament Annual Conference at Warwick University, where young people from Cardiff joined peers from across the UK to debate national issues and share best practice in youth democracy;
- An Equality Officer Meeting, contributing to efforts to make Cardiff a more inclusive city for all children and young people;
- A session of the Task and Finish Group, supporting focused input into the development of policy and practice in line with young people’s priorities.
These opportunities form part of Cardiff’s wider commitment to being a UNICEF Child Friendly City, where children and young people’s participation is not just encouraged but embedded in how decisions are made. Their involvement supports Cardiff’s ambition to ensure children’s rights—especially their right to be heard—are realised in practice.
“Participation is about more than just turning up. It’s about shaping the city we live in. Every voice adds value, and this month’s contributions have once again shown the power of listening to children and young people,” said a representative from Child Friendly Cardiff.
Even when numbers are smaller, the impact of youth voice remains significant. Cardiff Council continues to thank and recognise all young people who take the time to share their perspectives and drive change in their communities.