The British youth council is a UK charity working to empower young people and promote their interests. They work with young people aged 25 and below, influencing and informing decisions that affect their lives. Established in 1948, the BYC serves as a platform for young people to engage in democratic processes, influence policy decisions, and advocate for positive change on issues that affect youth.
The BYC’s primary mission is to empower and amplify the voices of young people in the UK. It seeks to engage young people in democratic processes, influence policy decisions, and advocate for positive change on issues that affect youth.
The BYC is entirely youth-led and youth-focused. It is run by young people, for young people. It provides opportunities for young individuals to take leadership roles, participate in decision-making, and actively engage in civic life.
The BYC consists of a network of member organizations from across the UK, including youth councils, youth groups, and youth-led charities. These member organizations nominate representatives to participate in BYC activities, ensuring a diverse range of voices and perspectives.
The BYC runs various campaigns and initiatives that focus on pressing issues affecting young people. These campaigns cover a wide range of topics, including mental health, education, employment, climate change, social justice, and more. Their latest campaign is votes at 16, with over 3,015 supporters!!
The UK Youth Parliament is a key program under the BYC’s umbrella. It provides a platform for young people to debate important issues and express their opinions.The UK Youth Parliament often makes recommendations for policy changes based on these debates. In March 2023, BYC received funding of £750,000 to run the youth parliament.
The BYC conducts consultations and surveys to gather the opinions and perspectives of young people on various topics.The findings from these consultations are used to inform policy discussions and decisions. Past consultation work has been for the Cabinet Office, the National Union of Teachers and the Learning and Skills Council.
The organization provides young people with opportunities for personal and leadership development. This includes offering training, workshops, conferences, and resources to support youth leadership and advocacy.
