Redruth Youth Council is Cornwall’s first Youth Council, and it gives young people aged 10 to 18 a voice. It is open to anyone who lives or goes to school in Redruth, and its members help shape the town’s future through local action and events.
It is important to listen to the thoughts, concerns and opinions of our young people, as they are the citizens of the future. The Youth Council gives them a forum to communicate with the council, and to advocate for themselves.
The Youth Council takes part in a wide range of activities. This includes looking into local issues, sharing ideas with the Town Council, and helping to plan events for young people, such as Youth Fest. Its aim is to make sure young people in Redruth have a real voice and a real impact.
Youth Fest
Youth Fest is one of the Youth Council’s core projects. It is an annual festival held in East End Park, and Youth Councillors work on it throughout the year to put on a free, enjoyable event for young people over the summer.
Their involvement includes choosing and planning festival activities, and promoting the event among their peers. On the day, Youth Councillors take part in the festival, record highlights from the event, and run a Youth Council Surgery, where young people can share their views and find out more about the Council’s work.
The 2027 event is scheduled for Saturday 31 July.
The Rights of the Child
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a legally binding agreement, signed by almost every country in the world. It sets out the fundamental rights of every child, whoever they are and wherever they live.
Redruth Youth Council has chosen the Rights that matter most to them.
Article 12: Respect for the views of the child
Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes on matters that affect them, and to have those views taken seriously. This applies at all times, including in decisions about housing or a child’s everyday home life.
“All children should have their views heard, respected and taken seriously.” Jago
Article 23: Children with a disability
A child with a disability has the right to live a full and decent life, with dignity and as much independence as possible, and to take an active part in the community. Governments must do all they can to support disabled children and their families.
“I know what it’s like for someone to have a disability, and I’ve seen how they are affected as a result.” Florence
Article 29: Goals of education
Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It should encourage children to respect human rights, as well as their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.
“It’s important for people to have an aim.” Bertie
Article 19: Protection from violence, abuse and neglect
Governments must do all they can to protect children from violence, abuse, neglect and mistreatment, including by parents or anyone else who looks after them.
“Children should never have to go through harm, abuse or neglect. Children are still growing, and they deserve to feel safe and able to be themselves.” Ben
Article 34: Protection from sexual exploitation
Governments must protect children from all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation.
“This is important because sexual exploitation can deeply affect a person’s life. Children deserve to be protected, and to learn about the world safely, without having to carry something they should never have had to experience.” Ben
