Young people have an opportunity to make their voices heard and play a key role in local issues, events and activities by standing as a youth councillor.

North Northamptonshire Council is calling on anyone aged 11 to 19 years old, or up to 25 years old with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) to stand on its Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

Applications, via an online form, are open to anyone who is currently an active member of a youth forum such as a school council, voluntary youth organisation, youth council or forum, college youth council, or an individual nominated by a member of staff from a school, college or community group.

They must also live in North Northamptonshire.

placeholder image — Youth Summit 25 youth summit /NNC

Tyler Hudnott, a member of the YAC and chair of the council’s Youth Assembly (SEND), said: “The Youth Advisory Council was created on a mandate of change so that young people’s voices may finally be heard and so that young people may be more than just a part of the conversation, instead the YAC allows them to be the conversation.

"Since joining the Youth Advisory Council my voice has been projected through all levels of the local authority and decision making. This has allowed myself and many of my fellow YAC members to influence real change for young people. Therefore, I encourage all young people between the age of 11 to 19 (25 with SEND) within North Northamptonshire to apply so that your voice may be heard and used to shape our future.”

There will be 12 North Northamptonshire YAC places that young people can apply for, covering four areas, Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and East Northants, with three seats in each area. An additional four seats will be allocated between two Members of Youth Parliament, which has elections in March 2026, and two members of the Youth Assembly (SEND).

Being a youth councillor gives young people a voice to make decisions about what is important to them, and create opportunities for young people to participate, engage and be heard by politicians, service providers and others in their local community.

They can help identify and tackle issues considered important by young people, and shape services and facilities in North Northamptonshire to reflect what young people want and need. There will also be opportunities to reach out to other young people to seek their views and get them involved in the democratic process.

Applications for the Youth Advisory Council member elections will be accepted to November 23, 2025 when the submission round will close.

Cllr Elizabeth Wright, executive member for children’s families and education, at North Northamptonshire Council, added: “As a council, we’re committed to meaningful engagement and participation to empower young people to have a voice on issues that matter to them.

This is such a great opportunity for a young person who is keen to represent the views and interests of their peers. As a youth councillor, you will be required to attend monthly face-to-face meetings at a council office.

Occasionally, additional virtual meetings may be scheduled, and you will receive advance notice of these. You’ll also be able to take part in a diverse range of activities from focus groups, secret shopping activities for the council and partners, and organising and supporting events for young people and the wider community.”

Anyone who would like to get involved this year can complete a short expression of interest via the council’s website or email [email protected] for more information.