Young Voices

A group of local youngsters empowering their peers in Reading has been nominated for Volunteers of the Year, sponsored by AB Walker.

Young Voices is a collective of local young people aged 12–20 who come together to represent the voices of the youth, bringing the issues that matter and impact them to the attention of decision makers to tackle issues communities are facing.

Working closely with organisations including Reading Borough Council’s Community Safety Partnership and Safeguarding Partnership Board, Thames Valley Police, Reading Buses, The Oracle, local schools and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, they help shape solutions to issues affecting local communities, including safety in parks and open spaces, anti-social behaviour, safeguarding in schools and accessibility on public transport.

“The aim is to make sure the voices of young people who are most often unheard and under-served by services are met, listened to, and shared in a way that makes change possible,” said their nominator.

“They themselves are young people from those communities, and they work hard to reach as many young people who we do not hear from as possible.”

“They are a model to us all for positive changemaking and their work embodies true co-production and what can be possible by working with the people we exist to serve.”