While December is often a quieter month, children and young people in Cardiff continued to show their commitment to civic life, taking part in 8 participatory opportunities and contributing 137 volunteer hours across a range of meetings, consultations and site visits.
A total of 55 young people took part in shaping local and national agendas, with activity highlights including:
- A Cardiff Youth Council (CYC) General Meeting and Executive Meeting, maintaining momentum on youth-led campaigns and priorities;
- A Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) Executive Development Day, supporting the leadership growth of young elected representatives;
- A meeting of the Cardiff Commitment Senior Leadership Group, where CYC member Arthur represented the views of young people and fed into senior discussions on education and skills;
- A consultation with Welsh Government on the proposed new statutory framework for youth work in Wales, with CYC members contributing their insights and lived experience as part of this important national conversation.
December also saw excellent youth involvement in scrutiny and accountability. CYC member Grace, who currently serves as the stand-in youth representative on Cardiff’s Adult and Communities Scrutiny Committee, undertook two construction site visits as part of her role—ensuring the perspectives of young people are considered in housing and community development.
You can read more about Grace’s experience and reflections on the site visits here: Grace’s Housing Development Site Visits – Cardiff Youth Council
“Even in a month that’s typically slower for engagement, young people in Cardiff continue to step up, provide valuable insight, and shape decisions that impact them and their communities,” said a spokesperson from Child Friendly Cardiff.
These activities contribute to Cardiff’s ongoing work as the UK’s first UNICEF Child Friendly City, ensuring that children’s rights—especially the right to be heard—are embedded in the decisions that shape the city.