Cambridge has hosted its first Youth Assembly - an opportunity for young people in Cambridge to voice to those in decision making positions what is important to them and what changes they would like to take action on.

The Youth Assembly was delivered by Citizens UK, brought about by a collaboration between Cambridge City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council.

Young people from Cambridge were given the opportunity to present their challenges to decision makers. After each testimonial they invited council staff and elected councillors to the stage to commit to supporting a project idea or campaign. Students from 16 local schools, colleges and youth organisations took part.

The topics presented by the young people included:

• the importance of maintaining nature habitats and biodiversity in the built environment
• the local transportation network, with a particular focus on improvement that could be made to bus services
• the importance of having safe spaces to go to and things to do outside of school
• supporting better access to work experience opportunities for young people
• looking into opportunities to increase bursaries for young people to help with the increased costs of studying.

Young people participated for a variety of reasons, with different topics that they wanted to address, but the key motivation they all shared was the desire to be heard and to make positive change.

Nicholas, age 10, said: “I want to make positive changes, if we keep going the way we are we won’t have a nice life.”

Douaa, who is in year 13 and the Co-Chair at Cambridge Citizens Young Person’s Assembly, said: “It’s essential for young people in the city to go beyond simply being heard – they need real opportunities to develop their vision, influence decisions, and hold local leaders accountable for meaningful change. Seeing this happen feels truly transformative.”

Adult attendees commented on how inspiring and passionate the young people were about their chosen topics, and how informative, eye opening and thought provoking the event was.

Cambridge City Council wants to encourage solutions for young people, by young people, to make sure that the support and services provided are of use to them and fit their needs.

The council used its network to invite partners and representatives from other local authorities in Cambridgeshire to the event, to hear useful insights and help to take forward the changes suggested by the young people. A shared action plan will now be developed to support small action groups take forward their requests for change.

Cllr Rachel Wade, Executive Councillor for Communities at Cambridge City Council, said: “We are proud to have successfully delivered the first Youth Assembly in Cambridge. This was a great opportunity to listen to young people, especially as they often don’t feel heard. I’d like to thank everyone who attended and helped to empower these young voices. I hope that they can take on board what they heard and use it to create change that will matter to young people.

“The council is committed to actively listening to the voices of those who often feel unheard or have different experiences – that is the only way that we can ensure that we support change that benefits everyone. We want decisions to be made by and for the people of Cambridge.”

Cllr Tom Sanderson, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee, said: “We want all children and young people in Cambridgeshire to have opportunities to thrive, so we are proud to partner with Cambridge City Council in support of the Youth Assembly – a platform that enables and empowers the young people in our county to make their voices heard.”

Rae Snape, Headteacher at Milton Road Primary School and member of Cambridge Citizens leadership team, said: “Cambridge Citizens is the newest chapter of Citizens UK set to found in 2026. The Young Person’s Assembly, which supports young people through their schools and colleges to be effective in public life, is a key part of our founding plan. You are never too young to start developing your citizenship skills as my pupils have shown. I would encourage other educational leaders, along with charities and community organisations in the city, to join the alliance in the months to come to ensure that every person, young or older can make a positive change in their communities.”