Somerset Youth Forum – a group of young people who meet to influence local policy and services - is looking for young people with ideas and enthusiasm aged between 11 and 18 years (or up to 24 years for young people with Special Education Needs and / or Disabilities (SEND)) to join. 

The Forum provides a great platform for young people to be heard, and to challenge and influence change by working alongside Somerset Council, the Police and Public Health to improve the services and support they, and others, receive. 

The group meets termly (and occasionally in the holidays) on Zoom after the school and college day finishes to discuss issues such as mental health, education, equality, climate, safety and transport.  

Cllr Tessa Munt, Somerset Council's Executive Member for Children and Families said "Listening to the voices of our young people is essential to helping us create a fairer, ambitious Somerset. The Forum always welcomes new members, because the more young voices are heard, the more my colleagues and I can understand what young people want and then work to shape our services and policies to meet their needs." 

"If you want to make a positive impact in your community, learn lots of amazing new skills, get to know people, and have fun, then the Somerset Youth Forum could be a great opportunity for you. All backgrounds, experiences and abilities are welcome, and you'll develop your leadership and communication skills which can really help with confidence, knowledge and future employment." 

One of the Forum's members said "The opportunities are really exciting and fun and taking part in Youth Forum makes me feel like I am a proper part of the community and am helping make change." 

If you would like to know more, please fill in an expression of interest form at  

Somerset Youth Forum is also on social media. Follow us at: 

Instagram: @somersetyouthvoice 

Facebook: @SomersetYouthVoice 

Twitter: @SomerYouthVoice