Introduction: Young Voices, Real Power
Last month in Rochdale, the UK Co‑op Youth Summit , bringing together young co-operators from across the UK—and beyond—to join the Co-op Congress. The message? It’s time for youth to lead, not just be heard.
Co-op UK CEO Rose Marley set the tone:
“Democracy in our everyday lives will become the new democracy.”
Your generation, she said, holds the solutions. That’s not just optimism—it’s a call to action.
What Happened at the UK Co‑op Youth Summit ?
- Young changemakers took centre stage: Perry Blake (21UP CIC), May Armstrong (Glasgow Student Housing Co-op), Anthony Scott (Kitty’s Launderette), and Lottie Pendlebury (Sister Midnight).
- Panels explored youth-led solutions in housing, finance, art, media and mental health.
- Sile Sibanda hosted real-talk sessions where guests broke down their biggest “aha!” moments in life and leadership.
- Workshops gave young people the practical tools to start their own co-operatives.
Why the UK Co‑op Youth Summit Matters for Young UK People
Real Influence, Not Tokenism
This summit wasn’t about performative panels. The Youth Advisory Group (YAG) gives 18–30-year-olds real power: paid positions, strategy input, and year-round involvement.
This isn’t just “youth voice” — it’s youth power.
Building Community Through Action
From laundrettes to live music venues, young people aren’t waiting for permission. They’re building co-ops to tackle real problems: housing insecurity, job gaps, and the lack of safe creative spaces.
UK Co‑op Youth Summit opens New Career Pathways
For those locked out of traditional 9–5s or frustrated by endless job rejections, co-ops offer a real alternative: meaningful work, ownership, and purpose.
