Youth Summit success as young people shape the conversation in North Northamptonshire

09 November 2026

Pictured: Members of the YAC, with council staff, Cllr Elizabeth Wright, representatives of Free2Talk, and representatives of iWill.

Young people from across North Northamptonshire came together this week for the second annual Youth Summit, helping to create a day packed with discussion, debate, creativity and inspiration.

Held at Kettering Leisure Village on 5 November 2026, during Youth Work Week, the event brought together young people, councillors, schools, youth groups and partner organisations to celebrate the voices, talents and potential of young people across the area.

Organised by the North Northamptonshire Youth Advisory Council and supported by North Northamptonshire Council, the summit featured a programme of speeches, panel discussions, debate sessions, workshops and an opportunities and futures fayre. It was also attended by national organisation iWill, which promotes social action such as volunteering, campaigning or fundraising. Its ambassadors led interactive sessions on the day.

One of the highlights of the day was a lively question and answer session with councillors, where young people put questions to decision-makers and raised issues that matter most to them. Topics included mental health provision, road conditions, LGBTQIA+ opportunities, and the future of local youth services. 

The debate sessions also proved popular, with participants demonstrating confidence, critical thinking and respect while discussing a range of important issues – including climate change vs artificial intelligence, the social media ban improving mental health, and misandry vs misogyny. Awards were presented to a number of young people who particularly excelled during the debates, recognising their leadership, communication skills and thoughtful contributions. 

The Youth Summit was a fantastic celebration of the passion, talent and insight that young people bring to our communities. One of the most important aspects of the event was providing a platform for young people to have their voices heard and to engage directly with decision-makers. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the questions put to the panel of councillors. They were thoughtful, challenging and incredibly insightful, demonstrating just how engaged young people are with the issues affecting them and their communities. The debates, presentations and discussions throughout the day showed that young people want to play an active role in shaping the future of North Northamptonshire. Events like this are invaluable in helping us listen, learn and work together, and I would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to making the summit such a success.Cllr Elizabeth Wright, North Northamptonshire Council's Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, who attended the summit.

The event also included a schools’ competition which invited young people to develop ideas to support their school communities. Winners – judged by Cllr Wright – were announced during the event, with funding awarded to the strongest proposals to help bring their ideas to life and make a positive difference within local schools.

Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to visit interactive stalls, meet organisations offering support and opportunities, and learn more about services available to them across North Northamptonshire.

Free 2 Talk was also on hand to record a special podcast, interviewing young attendees and capturing their views and experiences from the event which will help shape the council’s Children’s and Young People Plan. The podcast provided a platform for young people to share what matters most to them and reflect on the importance of having their voices heard.

Members of the North Northamptonshire Youth Advisory Council also hailed the event as a major success, with strong attendance from schools and youth organisations and high levels of participation throughout the day.

The annual summit continues to build on the success of the Youth Charter, launched following last year's inaugural event, and reinforces a shared commitment to ensuring young people have a meaningful voice in shaping local services and communities.

The North Northamptonshire Youth Advisory Council and North Northamptonshire Council would like to thank all schools, partners, youth organisations, volunteers and attendees who helped make this year's Youth Summit such a memorable and successful occasion.

Pictured: Members of the YAC, with council staff, Cllr Elizabeth Wright, representatives of Free2Talk, and representatives of iWill.