Blackpool youth advisors travel to Parliament to share experiences and shape education and jobs plans

Young people from Blackpool are set to take their voices to the Houses of Parliament this week as part of a national event focused on improving opportunities for young people.

Seven youth advisors will travel to Westminster on Tuesday, April 21, where they will tour Parliament and take part in discussions in Westminster Hall.

The group will share their experiences and highlight the work they are doing in Blackpool to improve support for young people through the Blackpool Connected Futures programme.

Youth advisors work alongside Blackpool Council, schools, employers and partner organisations to help shape decisions around education, employment and support.

During the two-day visit to London, the group will also attend a national event with research partner Dartington Service Design Lab. The event will explore how listening to young people can help tackle challenges such as youth unemployment.

Cllr Kathryn Benson, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for young people and aspiration, said: “Blackpool’s young people have powerful voices, and this visit to Westminster is about making sure those voices are heard where decisions are made.

“Our Youth Advisors bring valuable insight, shaped by lived experience, and they are already influencing positive change here in Blackpool.

“Taking that message to London shows just how seriously we take youth voice. We are proud of these young people and the leadership they continue to show in shaping better futures for themselves and for others across the town.”

The Connected Futures programme is a £16m initiative aimed at improving the journey from education to employment for young people facing disadvantage.

All members of the youth advisor team bring lived experience to their roles, including young people who have previously not been in education, employment or training. Several are care experienced, and some have taken part in local initiatives such as the Young Inspector programme.

Their work has already helped shape projects across Blackpool, including a pilot scheme allowing pupils to combine vocational learning with GCSEs, careers engagement across secondary schools, and stronger partnerships with employers and further education providers.

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb said: “I’m looking forward to welcoming our Youth Advisors to Parliament and showing them first-hand how their voices can help shape national conversations.

“They’ve already made a real impact in our constituency and I’m proud to now support them in bringing that same energy and insight to Westminster.”

The visit marks another step in ensuring young people in Blackpool are represented both locally and nationally.