Young people from across Warwickshire gathered on Thursday 12th March at Shire Hall in Warwick to welcome the newly elected members of the Warwickshire Youth Council and to recognise the contributions of those stepping down. The event brought together young representatives from communities throughout the county, along with their families, to mark the beginning of a new two-year term and celebrate the positive impact young people continue to have in Warwickshire.
Elected members from Warwickshire County Council attended the occasion, including the council’s Leader and Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, Cllr George Finch. Speaking in both his capacity as Leader and as a former Youth Council member, he reflected on how the experience had shaped his early understanding of public service and influenced his path into local government.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see so many young people stepping forward to represent their peers. Having been part of the Youth Council, I know first-hand the confidence, skills and opportunities it can bring. The Youth Council plays a vital role in shaping the future of Warwickshire, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what this new group will achieve.”
John Coleman, Executive Director for Children and Young People, emphasised the strong engagement in this year’s elections and the importance of providing platforms for young voices to be heard.
He added: “The level of interest in this year’s elections has been really encouraging. We are a child friendly county so it is vital that we create opportunities for young people to be involved and share their views. It’s inspiring to see so many young people willing to get involved and speak up about the issues that matter to them, and their views play an essential role in shaping services and decisions across the county.”
Outgoing co-chairs Ameli and Alexis reflected on their time in the roles and encouraged the new members to make the most of the experience, get involved fully, and speak up on the issues that matter to them.
The Warwickshire Youth Council gathers the views of young people aged 11–17 and ensures those perspectives reach decision-makers at local and national levels. This year, 30 young people have been formally elected to serve the two-year term. They will represent their peers locally and nationally, collaborating with councillors, MPs, and partners to drive meaningful change.
Although 30 members have been elected, the council remains committed to broader inclusion. All young people who participated in the process will continue to have opportunities to engage. Those not selected for the main council will be invited to join the Wider Youth Council Network, helping to keep as many young voices as possible active in Warwickshire’s youth participation efforts.
At their inaugural meeting, the new members will get to know one another and learn about the various roles within the Youth Council. This will prepare them for appointing their Chair and other leadership positions in May.
This year’s elections saw impressive participation. More than 55 candidates stood for election, with 37 secondary schools involved. Over 1,400 votes were cast online during the voting period, which ran from 2nd–27th February.
The strong turnout reflects growing interest among Warwickshire’s young people in civic engagement and youth-led decision-making. Supported by Warwickshire County Council’s Child Friendly Warwickshire initiative, the Youth Council provides a structured way for young residents to influence policies and services that affect their lives.
Such initiatives align with broader efforts to foster child-friendly communities, where young people’s input helps shape local services and long-term county strategies. By empowering the next generation, Warwickshire aims to build a more inclusive and responsive future.