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Cardiff Youth Council (CYC) held its latest General Meeting on the evening of Wednesday 18th June at the SPARK building on Maindy Road – a vibrant space that reflects the energy and commitment of its young members. The meeting saw key elections take place to shape the youth voice in Cardiff for the year ahead.

The first election was for the Chair and Vice Chair of CYC. Three candidates stepped forward to lead the Council: End Hopkins, Emily Gao and Ashika Pennadam. After a thoughtful and democratic process, members re-elected Emily Gao for a second term as Chair, recognising her dedication, experience, and continued passion for championing young people’s voices. Ashika Pennadam was elected as the new Vice Chair, bringing fresh perspective and energy to the role.

The second election determined who would represent Cardiff as the next Member of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP). Four strong candidates put themselves forward: Zachariah Koymis, Maya Jadoon, Joseph Pasley and Roha Rafiei. Following another round of speeches and voting, Maya Jadoon was elected to the prestigious role. As MYP, she will represent the concerns and ideas of Cardiff’s young people at a national level – including in the UK Youth Parliament debate at the House of Commons.

The evening was a celebration of youth democracy in action, with all candidates demonstrating courage, leadership and a commitment to making a difference.

Congratulations to Emily, Ashika and Maya – and thank you to all those who stood and took part in the elections. Cardiff Youth Council continues to thrive thanks to the passion, voices and vision of its members.

April 2025 saw 92 children and young people take part in 9 engagement opportunities, dedicating a combined 149 volunteer hours to shaping Cardiff’s future. From influencing city-wide plans to contributing to local policy development, young people continued to play an active and meaningful role in civic life.

As ever, Cardiff Youth Council (CYC) remained central to this work, with members attending a General Meeting, an Executive Meeting, and several Scrutiny Committee sessions, where they ensured that young people’s voices were included in council decision-making.

This month also saw a specialist session with CYC focused on developing planning guidance for play in Cardiff—helping to embed children’s right to play within the city’s planning frameworks and future development plans. The session supports Cardiff’s ambition to be a city where children have access to safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces to play and socialise.

🏙️ Youth Voices in Long-Term City Planning

A highlight of the month was the Child Friendly Cardiff team’s visits to Llanishen and Fitzalan High Schools, where young people took part in interactive workshops on the city’s Replacement Local Development Plan (LDP). The LDP sets out how Cardiff will grow up to 2036, and the workshops gave young people a chance to explore the plan and share what matters most to them.

Their top priorities included:

• Affordable housing
• Better and cheaper public transport
• More green spaces and youth-friendly areas
• Improved mental health support
• Stronger action on climate change

This engagement not only deepened understanding of the LDP but also empowered participants to shape long-term planning decisions—demonstrating Cardiff’s continued commitment to being a UNICEF Child Friendly City, where young people’s voices are not only heard but acted upon.

As part of Cardiff’s commitment to embedding children’s rights in policy and planning, children and young people across the city were invited to help shape the Replacement Local Development Plan (LDP)—a key strategic document that will guide how Cardiff develops up to 2036.

Between March and April 2025, Cardiff Council’s Child Friendly Cardiff team worked with schools and Cardiff Youth Council (CYC) to ensure that young voices were included in this critical consultation process. While numbers were modest—engaging around 50 young people—the impact was significant, offering clear, informed, and aspirational ideas for how Cardiff can become a more inclusive, greener and fairer city.

📍 Why the LDP Matters

The LDP outlines how Cardiff will grow and change in the coming years—covering areas such as housing, transport, open spaces, sustainability, and infrastructure. It will directly affect the places where young people live, learn, travel, and play.

Recognising that children and young people have the right to be heard in decisions that affect them (UNCRC Article 12), this engagement aimed to:

• Raise awareness of the LDP’s role and content
• Capture young people’s views on what Cardiff should look like by 2036
• Model best practice for embedding youth voice in statutory planning

🧠 What Young People Said

Participants engaged through interactive workshops, digital surveys, and creative feedback tools such as Notebook LM and poster-based activities. Their key priorities were clear and consistent:

Top Priorities for Cardiff by 2036:

• More affordable housing – especially to tackle homelessness and support low-income families
• Better and cheaper public transport – for accessibility, climate impact, and independence
• More training and job opportunities – linked to long-term aspirations and reducing inequality
• Stronger mental health support – including access to youth-friendly services
• More green spaces and youth-friendly areas – to play, relax and feel safe
• Tackle climate change and protect green land – with a clear call to reduce building on green spaces

“I would change the amount of housing that is being built as it ruins green space that could have been used for something else.”

“Make more kid-friendly attractions and parks for teenagers.”

While nearly half of young people agreed with the LDP’s vision of a “greener, fairer, stronger” Cardiff, others said key elements were missing—particularly youth safety, mental health, and meaningful opportunities to be involved long-term.

📊 Learning Outcomes

Young people’s understanding of the LDP increased significantly during the sessions. One group’s average self-rating rose from 1.9 to 7.3 out of 10—showing the power of rights-based and interactive engagement to build confidence and participation.

“I knew nothing before but now I actually understand what it is and how it affects us.”

🔗 What’s Next?

The findings from this report will be shared with Cardiff Council’s Head of Planning and Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport, and will inform the next phase of youth engagement: the co-creation of a child-friendly version of the final LDP, due to be promoted in schools and the wider public in Spring 2026.

This work contributes to Cardiff’s wider ambitions as the UK’s first UNICEF Child Friendly City, and ensures that long-term city planning reflects the lived experience, hopes, and rights of the next generation.

In March 2025, 48 children and young people took part in 10 meaningful opportunities to influence decisions, represent their peers, and contribute to the governance and leadership of services that impact them directly. Together, they volunteered 122 hours of their time across a range of activities—demonstrating the strength and consistency of youth participation in Cardiff.

The month began with core CYC business, including a General Meeting and Executive Meeting, which brought together members to review progress on campaigns and plan for the months ahead. In addition to their collective work, CYC’s executive members took part in one-to-one supervision sessions, supporting their leadership development and wellbeing as they fulfil their roles.

Young people also contributed to the democratic scrutiny of the council’s work through a series of Scrutiny Committee meetings, where they helped hold decision-makers to account and ensured that children’s rights and experiences were reflected in policy conversations.

✨ Celebrating Welsh Identity at the St. David’s Day Civic Service

A highlight of the month was the St. David’s Day Civic Service at The City Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, where CYC Chair Emily Gao and Vice Chair Megan O’Neill attended as invited guests of Cardiff Council’s Protocol Team. Their attendance demonstrated the growing visibility and recognition of young leaders within the city’s formal civic life.

Read more about their attendance here:
Cardiff Youth Council Leaders Attend St. David’s Day Civic Service – Cardiff Youth Council

🗳️ Young People on the Interview Panel for Senior Education Leadership

In a further demonstration of meaningful youth voice, CYC members Arthur, Megan, Emily and Ffion took part in a young people’s interview panel for the appointment of the new Head of School Improvement. Their participation ensured that the perspectives of learners were embedded in the selection process for one of the most senior roles in Cardiff’s education system.

“Sitting on an interview panel for such an important role showed that our voices are valued in shaping leadership in education,” said one of the panel members. “We want leaders who will genuinely listen to young people.”

These opportunities align with Cardiff’s commitment to being a UNICEF Child Friendly City, where young people’s right to participate is embedded in both everyday practice and major strategic decisions.

On Friday 1 March 2024, Emily Gao, Chair of Cardiff Youth Council (CYC), and Megan O’Neill, Vice Chair, proudly represented the voice of young people at the Lord Mayor’s St. David’s Day Civic Service, held at The City Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Cardiff city centre.

Hosted by The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Bablin Molik, the annual service is a formal occasion that brings together civic leaders, elected members, community representatives and invited guests to celebrate the life and legacy of Dewi Sant (St. David), the patron saint of Wales.

Emily and Megan’s invitation to this high-profile civic event recognises the growing role of Cardiff Youth Council in public life and the city’s commitment to embedding children’s rights and youth voice at all levels of local decision-making. Their attendance reflects Cardiff’s status as the UK’s first UNICEF Child Friendly City, where young people are not only invited to participate, but are regarded as equal partners in civic and strategic conversations.

“It was an honour to attend the St. David’s Day Civic Service and represent young people from across Cardiff,” said Emily. “Being present at events like this helps show that youth leadership matters and that our contributions are valued.”

Megan echoed the sentiment, adding, “Opportunities like these show how far Cardiff has come in recognising youth voice as an essential part of civic life. We were proud to stand alongside the city’s leaders to celebrate our shared identity and values.”

The service included reflections, music and readings to mark the national day of celebration, while also highlighting the importance of unity, service, and community—values that CYC champions throughout the year through its work on local campaigns, policy influence, and youth-led scrutiny.

February 2025 was another strong month for youth participation in Cardiff, with 62 children and young people taking part in 12 structured opportunities—volunteering a total of 211 hours to influence decisions, represent their peers, and drive change across the city and beyond.

This month’s highlights included:

• A Cardiff Youth Council (CYC) General Meeting and Executive Meeting, where youth-led campaigns and policy areas continued to progress;
• A Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) meeting and dedicated MYP development day, supporting the growth of youth leadership in Cardiff;
• Meetings of the CYC Media Group and the Task and Finish Group, where young people explored strategic communications and focused policy areas;
• A number of Scrutiny Committee sessions, enabling young people to hold decision-makers to account and ensure the UNCRC is reflected in council decisions.

✨ Standing Up for Cardiff – and Wales – in the House of Commons

A proud moment for the city came as Cardiff’s two MYPs, Aoife and Ffion, travelled to London to attend a UK Youth Parliament Sitting in the House of Commons. Both asked questions in the Chamber—speaking up for young people in Cardiff—and Aoife served as the lead debate speaker for the whole of Wales, highlighting her strong role as a national youth voice.

You can read more about their inspiring visit here:
Cardiff Youth Leaders Represent Wales in the House of Commons – Cardiff Youth Council

“Opportunities like this show just how powerful youth voice can be—whether it’s contributing to scrutiny in Cardiff or standing up at the despatch box in Westminster,” said a spokesperson from Child Friendly Cardiff. “Aoife and Ffion represent the best of youth leadership—skilled, informed, and passionate about making change.”

Cardiff continues to uphold its status as the UK’s first UNICEF Child Friendly City, ensuring that participation isn’t a token gesture—but a central part of how the city is governed. Every hour volunteered and every voice raised in February is part of the city’s commitment to realising Article 12 of the UNCRC: the right of every child and young person to have a say in decisions that affect them.

Cardiff’s commitment to youth voice was on full display this month as two of the city’s young leaders, Aoife and Ffion, took part in the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) Annual Sitting held in the House of Commons. As elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) for Cardiff and active members of Cardiff Youth Council (CYC), both made a significant impact at the national level.

In a standout moment for Wales, Aoife served as the lead debate speaker for the Welsh delegation, representing the views of young people across the country. She addressed fellow MYPs and national decision-makers from the iconic green benches, championing key issues raised through the UKYP’s Make Your Mark campaign—the UK’s largest youth ballot.

Meanwhile, Ffion took to the floor of the House of Commons to ask a question, directly engaging in the democratic process and ensuring that Cardiff’s priorities were heard at the heart of UK politics.

“Being the lead debate speaker for Wales was an incredible honour,” said Aoife. “It shows just how much young people in Wales—and in Cardiff—have to offer when they’re given the opportunity to lead.”

Ffion added, “Asking a question in the Commons was a powerful reminder that our voices matter. Youth voice isn’t just symbolic—it’s essential.”

The sitting gave young people from across the UK a platform to discuss urgent national issues, including mental health, education, inclusion, and the cost-of-living crisis. It also demonstrated the strength of Cardiff’s participatory approach, as Aoife and Ffion carried with them the views and experiences of local young people into national conversations.

A spokesperson from Child Friendly Cardiff said: “Aoife and Ffion exemplify what happens when young people are supported to lead. From their work with Cardiff Youth Council to their roles in the UK Youth Parliament, they’re helping shape the future of Wales and the UK.”

As the UK’s first UNICEF Child Friendly City, Cardiff is proud to see its young people stepping into national leadership roles and making sure the voices of children and young people are heard, respected, and acted upon.

Cardiff’s children and young people have started 2025 as they mean to go on—actively shaping decisions, sharing their views, and working together to improve their city. In January 2025, there were 8 structured participation opportunities, with 51 young people volunteering a total of 155 hours of their time to engage with decision-makers, influence policy, and represent the voices of their peers.

Young people took part in a range of meetings and forums throughout the month, including:

• A Cardiff Youth Council (CYC) General Meeting and CYC Executive Meeting, continuing to drive forward youth-led priorities;
• A Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) Meeting, supporting young people’s representation at a national level;
• An Executive Development Day, providing space for reflection, skills-building, and forward planning among CYC leaders;
• Meetings of the CYC Media Group and the Task and Finish Group, where young people shaped communication strategies and explored focused policy themes;
• A series of Scrutiny Committee meetings, where young people played a role in holding the local authority to account and ensuring children’s rights are considered in strategic decision-making.

“It’s brilliant to see young people continuing to contribute their time and insight so early in the year,” said a spokesperson for Child Friendly Cardiff. “From strategic scrutiny to creative media work, their influence is felt across the city.”

These activities continue to deliver on Cardiff’s commitment to being a UNICEF Child Friendly City, embedding the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into how the city listens to, respects, and responds to children and young people.

Cardiff Youth Council (CYC) members teamed up with academics from Bristol and Cardiff Universities to work on an active travel project.

Who Was Involved? Aoife Williams, Efa Thomas, Martha Lewis, Megan O’Neill, Rahma Mohamed, and Steffan Raynor Owen from CYC worked with Dr Hannah Littlecott and Dr Kelly Morgan23.

What’s It About? The project is all about active travel, like walking and cycling instead of driving. The goal is to make communities healthier and more eco-friendly.

CYC’s Role: CYC members gave their opinions on how data should be collected to make sure the research works for the community. They shared lots of ideas, showing why it’s important to get young people involved in research that affects them.

Real Impact: CYC’s participation helped shape the research and make sure the project meets the needs of people who will be involved in the study. Their contributions were key in securing a £1.3 million grant from the National Institute of Health Research for the project.

Why it matters: The researchers listened to CYC’s feedback which helped them improve their research plan.

Future: CYC will continue to push for healthier and more sustainable communities in Cardiff.

This collaboration highlights how young people can make a real difference in research and policy.

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.