East Suffolk Council

East Suffolk Youth Council

East Suffolk Youth Council – Making a Difference!

The newly established East Suffolk Youth Council has at least two elected representatives from secondary educational institutions in East Suffolk (up to a maximum of four, based on student numbers), as well as the homeschooled.   

We currently have Youth Councillors from:  Alde Valley Academy, Benjamin Britten Music Academy, Bungay High School, Castle EAST School, East Point Academy, Felixstowe School, Framlingham College, Homeschooled, Ormiston Denes Academy, Saint Felix School, Sir John Leman High School, The Ashley School, The Warren School and Thomas Mills High School. 

If you would like to represent both your school and your local community and your school is not included in this list, please speak to one of your teachers and ask them to contact civic.secretary@eastsuffolk.gov.uk for more information.

What does East Suffolk Youth Council do?

The Youth Council makes real decisions and drives real change for young people in the district. A map of the district is here. The Youth Council works closely with the district council to ensure young peoples’ voices are heard loud and clear in council decisions.

At the first meeting of the Youth Council, the Youth Councillors created and voted upon a ‘Youth Support and Safety motion’ which was then considered by the Full Council for East Suffolk.  They unanimously supported the motion and it will be implemented in full over time.  This is just one example of the important changes that the Youth Councillors can create. Any youth councillor can propose a motion on a topic that has been raised. For example, flooding, mental health and biodiversity.

What are the benefits of becoming a youth councillor?

The Youth Council is a great opportunity to highlight the issues affecting young people, to work together to tackle them, to learn new skills and make new friends. Being a Youth Councillor also looks great on your CV!

The Youth Council needs young people who want to stand up for their fellow students and raise issues that young people are impacted by, particularly young people who don’t always have a voice in decisions. The Youth Council works with the district council and partners to try and improve the district for young people (both now and in the future).

How often does the Youth Council meet?

There are three Youth Council meetings a year – one in-person and two on Teams – with plenty of opportunities between meetings to get together and get things done.

Youth Councillors debate and discuss motions and make suggestions to the district council on key issues - both things that are East Suffolk Council’s responsibility (like housing, planning and the environment) and those led by other organisations like health, County Council and the Police.

Interested in joining?

If you are interested and would like to run for the Youth Council, please contact one of your teachers and ask them to email: civic.secretary@eastsuffolk.gov.uk for more information.

Ensure your voice is heard!

How do I get in contact with the Youth Councillors at my school/college?

If your school or college is listed above, please get in contact with a member of school staff to find out who your Youth Councillor is. They will likely be quite visible within school/college potentially presenting in assemblies or trying to find out your views on certain topics!

East Suffolk Youth Council replaces the former Waveney Youth Council.