Young people help make Council’s first Youth Summit a success

10 October 2025

North Northamptonshire Council celebrated a historic first on Monday 6 October, holding its first ever Youth Summit.

The event, held at the Corby Cube, was hosted by the Youth Advisory Council in partnership with Clubs for Young People Northamptonshire (CYPN), East Northants Young Ambassadors, and Free2Talk.

Over 60 young people and 40 professionals from across North Northamptonshire attended the event, including schools, youth groups and home-schooled individuals. Additionally, all the panels, speeches and workshops were streamed live, which five schools tuned into virtually.

The Summit was supported by more than 17 partner organisations, clubs, nonprofits and charities offering services and support for young people.

The inaugural summit was designed by young people, for young people. The agenda included opening speeches by elected Members of Youth Parliament and the Executive Director of Children’s Services at North Northamptonshire Council, workshops on the topics of Post-16 Options and Mental Health and Wellbeing, as well as a number of discussion panels on the topics of Votes at 16, Period Dignity and The Big 50 project.

One of the key outcomes of the event was the launch of the Youth Charter, a pledge to uphold the rights, voice, and influence of young people. It sets out a shared commitment to meaningful engagement and inclusion and will provide a space for young people to speak openly about their wants and ambitions for the area. The long-term vision is to extend the Charter across the Youth Sector North Northamptonshire, making it a shared standard that belongs to the youth sector and not just North Northamptonshire Council.

The Youth Summit was a powerful reminder that when we give young people a voice, the impact is limitless. I was inspired by the energy, ideas, and determination of our youth leaders who have helped make this event the first of its kind for us. Out of this, we will develop a Youth Charter as a pledge to uphold the rights, voice, and influence of young people, with youth participation at its core. This will set out a shared commitment to meaningful engagement and inclusion, and will provide a space for young people to speak openly about their wants and ambitions for the area. The long-term vision is to extend the Charter across the Youth Sector North Northamptonshire, making it a shared standard that belongs to the youth sector and not just North Northamptonshire Council.Cornelia Andrecut, Executive Director of Children's Services, for North Northamptonshire Council

This marked what is hoped to have been the first of many Youth Summits to come in the following years as North Northamptonshire Council continues to remain committed to supporting and amplifying the voices of young people.