Young people from Renfrewshire Youth Voice were praised by councillors after delivering a presentation to the full council outlining their work, impact and future plans.
Representatives told councillors the organisation exists to “bridge the gap between young people and decision-makers”, ensuring young people’s views are heard on issues affecting their communities at both local and national level.
They highlighted work over the past year including live music events, the annual Positive About Youth Awards, participation in national youth forums and building stronger links with elected members across Renfrewshire.
Renfrewshire Youth Voice is a youth-led charity run by young people, for young people aged 12 to 25. The group works to empower and uplift young people by creating direct connections with decision-makers, including councillors and national representatives. Several members are also elected Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, helping to ensure local voices are represented on a national stage.
Alongside influencing policy and decision-making, the group organises safe, inclusive and uplifting events throughout the year, giving young people positive opportunities to get involved in their communities while developing confidence, teamwork and leadership skills.
One youth representative told the chamber the group gives young people confidence and purpose, saying joining Renfrewshire Youth Voice “changed my life” and helped them find a direction into further education and leadership.
The organisation has its roots in the early 2000s, originally formed as a forum where Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament could meet young people locally, similar to an MP or MSP holding a surgery. It has since grown into an established charity focused on reducing inequality, tackling discrimination and ensuring young people have a meaningful say in decisions that affect them.
Provost Lorraine Cameron praised the presentation, telling the group: “You are exemplary role models for people younger than yourselves. To come into this chamber and speak the way you did takes real courage.”
Councillor Lisa Marie Hughes said the presentation highlighted an ongoing gap in representation, adding: “There’s still a big gap between the age people can vote and the age of people in this chamber. Your voices matter, and we need to hear them.”
Councillors later unanimously agreed a motion formally commending Renfrewshire Youth Voice and committing continued support through the council’s Connected Communities team.