Croydon Council has commissioned Project 4 Youth Empowerment (P4YE) to help create more opportunities for young people to participate in decision-making and help shape the future of Croydon.
P4YE has launched a borough-wide Youth Voice Programme, offering workshops and training sessions designed to help young people gain a better understanding of local government, including council budgets, elections, community facilities and more. The programme will be delivered in schools and youth groups, equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to participate in decision-making and have a say on the policies that affect them.
This is part of the Executive Mayor’s plan to involve more young people in council decision-making, ensuring their voices are part of Croydon’s future. As the younger generation develop their knowledge and understanding through the programme, they will have the opportunity to get involved in three key initiatives: Youth Steering Group, Youth Voice Forum and Youth Voice Symposium.
The Youth Steering Group will bring together a dedicated group of young people to work closely with local leaders and decision-makers to co-design services, policies and initiatives that affect young people.
The Youth Voice Forum will provide a space for the younger generation to engage quarterly with decision-makers and community leaders on issues that matter most to them, including community safety, employment and mental health.
P4YE will also launch Croydon’s first-ever Youth Voice Symposium in February 2027. The annual flagship event will celebrate the achievements and creativity of young people, highlighting the positive impact they are making across the borough.
AJ, 16, from South Croydon, said: “I like the new sense of direction it’s giving young people in the community. I think we as young people need to be shown the right way to make a positive difference in Croydon. We need the opportunity to explore our views on issues affecting our community. The intentions of the Youth Voice Programme are very encouraging for Croydon as a community.”
Karen Sanderson, Head of Integrated Commissioning for Children, Young People, Education and Public Health, said: “We are committed to ensuring that young people’s voices are not only heard but actively help shape the services we commission. Working alongside P4YE will help us create meaningful and sustainable opportunities for young people to influence decision-making, ensuring that services across Croydon better reflect their needs and expectations.
“This programme represents an important step towards embedding co-production across our work and ensuring that young people are active partners in shaping the future of services in Croydon.”
“It’s a key priority for me to see more young people involved in shaping the future of Croydon, which is why we’re working with P4YE. This new Youth Voice Programme will help them build confidence and empower them to influence the policies that affect them.
“Our young people are creative, talented and full of potential. We want to change the narrative by celebrating their positive contributions to our borough, rather than hearing the negative stories.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
