Suffolk Council commits to giving youth a voice following Ipswich's national recognition

Why it matters: The signing represents a formal commitment to putting young people at the heart of decision-making across Suffolk, building on Ipswich's pioneering status in youth social action.

The details: The Power of Youth Charter, led by the #iWill Movement, was signed by Cllr Bobby Bennett, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services, alongside Cllr Liz Harsant, Chairman of Suffolk County Council, and Cllr Nathan Wilson at a meeting of Suffolk's Youth Parliament.

What they're saying: "I firmly believe that young people should be involved in the decisions that affect them," said Cllr Bennett.

"By signing the Power of Youth Charter, Suffolk County Council is making a commitment to our young people, to create more opportunities for their voices to be heard, to shape their own futures and ultimately to ensure that we are making decisions with our young people, not for them."

Youth Parliament representatives Kayleb Wright and Hermione Cartwright also signed the charter at the meeting.

In a joint statement, they said: "We are delighted to be involved in this movement, as youth representatives. We believe that this could move the future of youth voice and empower young people in making decisions that affect their futures."

The bigger picture: The #iWill Movement brings together more than 1,000 organisations and 700 young ambassadors and champions from across the UK, supported by charities UK Youth and Volunteering Matters.

Suffolk County Council will now work alongside over 350 other organisations already part of the movement, focusing on five key commitments:

• Prioritising social action, especially for young people from low-income and ethnic minority backgrounds
• Opening up decision-making to ensure young people have influence
• Working with other organisations to reach more young people
• Evidencing the impact of youth social action
• Recognising and celebrating young people as changemakers

What's next: Stephen Skeet, Director of Business Development and Partnerships for the #iWill Movement, suggests the council's backing could lead to further recognition.

"With Suffolk County Council's strategic backing, we're excited to build on this momentum and work towards establishing the UK's first County of Youth Social Action, where young people's voices and leadership are central to civic life," he said.

The bottom line: Suffolk County Council's commitment signals a growing recognition of young people's role in shaping their communities, with the potential for Suffolk to establish a nationwide first in youth empowerment.