Northern Ireland Youth Assembly Showcases Impact

The Northern Ireland Youth Assembly is proud to highlight the significant achievements of its Members, demonstrating the powerful impact of youth voice in shaping policy and addressing critical issues.

Established to foster engagement with Assembly Committees on legislation and inquiries, undertake project work, and facilitate consultation with government departments, the Youth Assembly comprises 90 dedicated members aged 12-16, each serving on one of three active committees.

These committees have been actively presenting their in-depth project work and recommendations directly to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Executive Ministers, ensuring that youth perspectives are heard at the highest levels of government.

Recent events include:

• June 25: Youth Assembly Education Committee met with the NIA Education Committee.
• June 27: Youth Assembly Health Committee met with the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, and the Youth Assembly Rights and Equality Committee met with Junior Minister Aisling Reilly.
• July 2: Youth Assembly Rights and Equality Committee met with the NIA TEO Committee.
• July 3: Youth Assembly Health Committee met with the NIA Health Committee.

The current committees have delved into pressing issues relevant to young people across Northern Ireland:

• The Youth Assembly Education Committee has explored how to make the curriculum fit for the 21st century, with a particular focus on 'Learning for Life and Work' (LLW).
• The Youth Assembly Health Committee has meticulously examined mental health in schools.
• The Youth Assembly Rights and Equality Committee has investigated young women's rights in schools.

All three committees have consulted with experts, conducted extensive research, and gathered invaluable insights directly from young people through in-person events and online surveys, and the formation of these committees was driven by direct youth input.

Full reports and recommendations are available on the Youth Assembly website at https://niyouthassembly.org/committee-reports/.

As well as celebrating the impact of the current cohort, the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly will soon launch its recruitment drive for a new cohort of members.

This is a unique chance for young people across Northern Ireland to contribute to meaningful change, develop leadership skills, and directly influence decisions that affect their lives and communities.

Further details on how to apply for the next Youth Assembly cohort will be announced at the end of the summer.

The Northern Ireland Youth Assembly encourage all interested young people to keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more information.

Front row (left to right): Colin McGrath MLA, Danny Donnelly MLA, (Deputy Chair) Philip McGuigan MLA (Chairperson), Órlaithí Flynn MLA, Dianne Dodds MLA, Alan Robinson MLA.

Back row (left to right): Youth Assembly Members Tom, Brooke, Isaac, Fionn, Christine, Charlie, Daniel, Donal, Vicky, Isaac and Lilianna.

Back row (left to right): TEO Committee Members and Youth Assembly Members: Harry Harvey MLA, Timothy Gaston MLA, Brian Kingston MLA, Youth Assembly Member Vanessa, Youth Assembly Member Charlotte, Youth Assembly Member Bláthnaid, Paula Bradshaw MLA (Chairperson), Youth Assembly Member Ross, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, Áine Murphy MLA.

Front row (left to right): Youth Assembly Members Ellie, Caleb, Darragh, Nadia and James.

Junior Minister Aisling Reilly MLA pictured surrounded by Youth Assembly Members sharing report findings in the Senate Chamber.

Back row (left to right): Youth Assembly Members: Yvaine, Harry, Ciaran, Rory, Daniel, Lorcan, Harrison, Mia, Willow, Catelyn, Weronika, Sophie, Lucy, Joash, Aiden, Shu Ya, India and Harry,

ENDS.

For further information please contact Robbie Best, Communications Office on 028 9052 1137 or Robbie.Best@niassembly.gov.uk.

Notes to Editors:

• Following the launch of the Big Youth Survey in January 2024, which garnered over 1,800 responses from young people aged 11-21 across Northern Ireland, the Youth Assembly debated the top ten topics during its second plenary in February 2024. A subsequent vote led to the establishment of the Youth Assembly Education, Health, and Rights and Equality committees.
• Results of the Big Youth Survey: https://niyouthassembly.org/big-youth-survey-summary-report/