A Digital Platform where Young People Lead the Conversation
Young people across Northern Ireland, the UK, and Ireland now have an unprecedented opportunity to influence the policies that shape their futures through Voices for Impact, a groundbreaking digital platform that’s transforming youth participation.
This innovative initiative brings together seven leading youth organisations—including The Bytes Project, YMCA Ireland, Boys & Girls Clubs NI, Youth Initiatives, Youth Action NI, Youth Work Alliance, National Youth Council of Ireland, Youth Link Scotland, and Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services—in a collaborative effort to ensure young people’s voices are not just heard, but actively shape decision-making processes.
Funded by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), this current phase of the project enables cross-border collaboration, breaking down traditional barriers to create meaningful dialogue between young people across these regions.
How Voices for Impact Works
The platform captures young people’s perspectives on six crucial themes derived from the UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Good Health and Well-Being – Mental health support, family relationships, and community wellness
- Learning, Skills and Work – Education quality, career preparation, and employment opportunities
- Safer Society – Community safety, youth services, and civic engagement
- Fairer Society – Gender equality, inclusion, and equal access to resources
- The Planet – Environmental education, climate action, and sustainable living
- Digital Access – Technology skills, online safety, and digital inclusion
Making a Real Difference
Unlike traditional consultation methods, Voices for Impact uses anonymous digital surveys that break down barriers to participation. Young people who might never attend a physical meeting can now share their honest opinions from anywhere, at any time. This approach has already revealed crucial insights into youth wellbeing, with recent data showing that 55% of young participants reported having “more happy days” in recent weeks, whilst identifying key areas where support is needed.
The data collected becomes powerful evidence for youth organisations when advocating for better services, applying for funding, or lobbying for policy changes.
Ready to make your voice count? Visit www.voicesforimpact.org to participate in shaping the future of youth services across the UK and Ireland.
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