Dorset Youth Voice

Youth Voice is an umbrella term that involves a range of activities. These activities help us hear from children and young people (CYP). Our Youth Voice team work with children and young people across Dorset.

We are committed to enabling CYP to be heard, in a safe and inclusive space. This can be by a variety of means. The team takes all views seriously and acts upon them where appropriate.

They also make sure that the right decision makers work with CYP to do things in a different way. There is something 'in it' for every child and young person when they get involved. They will develop many skills, gain confidence and improve their social mobility.

Get involved

Youth Voice is all about making sure children and young people across Dorset are:

heard
listened to
respected
involved in shaping the things that matter to them

We work together with decision makers to help make Dorset a better place to live for everyone, both now and in the future.

The Youth Voice team works with children and young people to:

create safe, welcoming spaces where young people can express themselves in ways that feel right for them
share their views and make sure they’re heard in ways that work for them and decision makers
make sure that decision makers listen and that young people know what will happen next
know how their voice made a difference by sharing what’s changed as a result

You will:

use your voice, lead with other young people and create change in Dorset
learn new skills and take part in training
experience different opportunities and have fun at the same time
meet new people, including the decision makers
achieve a Dorset Award if you would like to

Find more information on Youth voice Citizen Space and watch a video about Childrens Rights.

Get involved

Young Ambassadors

Find out about Young Ambassadors

Young ambassadors are trained to take part in interview panels. They will help make decisions about the right person for a job. Young people have interviewed many of the directors in children's services.

You can become a Young Ambassador if you are a member of at least one of the following:

Youth Council
Youth Parliament
our Care Experienced Network
The Dorset Unstoppables

Dorset Youth Council

About the Dorset Youth Council

The Dorset Youth Council represents young people across Dorset. They work with decision makers on topics that affect them. Members work on projects and campaigns to help make Dorset the best place to grow up.

If you're aged 11 to 18 and live, work, or study in the Dorset Council area, you can join the Youth Council.

The current manifesto focuses on health and wellbeing, including physical and mental health.

By March 2026, young people want to achieve:

improved access to safe spaces with access to more of them
increased opportunities and access to physical activity
improved access to social opportunities
promotion and information sharing of community opportunities

Dorset Youth Parliament

Information about the Dorset Youth Parliament

UK Youth Parliament is a programme run by the National Youth Agency (NYA). We work with them to provide opportunities for 11 to 18 year olds to use their voice to create social change.

Every 2 years, young people across Dorset elect:

2 members of UK Youth Parliament for Dorset (MYP)
2 deputy members of Youth Parliament for Dorset (DMYP)

Key activities for elected members include:

representing Dorset at national events, including the UK Youth Parliament's annual sitting and the annual House of Commons debate
participating in the South West regional events
campaigning locally on their manifesto
engaging more young people in the democratic process

To become a member, register your interest by completing the Get Involved form. The next elections will take place in February 2026. You will need to register by November 2025 to take part.

The Network

Information on The Network

The Network is just one way that Dorset’s care experienced young people can be heard and we come together in lots of different ways. You can be part of the Network if you have experience of being in care with Dorset Council and are under the age of 25.

The Network is:
•   a positive space where we work together to keep the good things good and make other things better
•   a safe space where we feel comfortable together because we have a shared lived experience
•   different for everyone. Show up when you can. Use your voice in a way that works for you. Join the conversation that you want to be a part of.

The Network want to make sure that they:

•   feel equal and included in the meetings they are in
•   make their views heard
•   can see and feel the progress being made on the actions they have identified
•   can see and feel the changes happening in their own lives

Find out more about the Local Offer for care leavers and our promise to you.

The Dorset Unstoppables

Information about The Dorset Unstoppables

The Dorset Unstoppables are a group of young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. They also either live or attend a school in the Dorset Council area and are aged between 11 and 25. The group runs as a network, so there’s more than one way to get involved. Some young people take part as an individual and others take part through their school, college or youth group.

If you want to be a part of the changes that are happening in Dorset by being seen and heard, reach out to us to find out more.