Introduction to the Bristol City Youth Council

The Bristol City Youth Council (BCYC) are an elected group of young people aged 11 to 18 who work together to represent the voices of young people in Bristol.

“The Bristol City Youth Council (BCYC) comprises of driven individuals that embody the spirit of activism and engagement. We advocate for the issues that matter most to young people and the main aim of BCYC is to represent the voices of young people in Bristol.

Everyone regardless of Sexuality, Gender, Race, Special Educational Needs and cultural background deserves to be represented alongside the importance of having the voices of the young people of Bristol listened to. As a youth council we work to elevate these voices to power.”

– Mary Akinboroye (Chairperson of BCYC)

The Youth Council have two meetings a month, one formal meeting and one campaign meeting. BCYC also has a seat on the One City Children & Young People’s Board and have opportunities to engage with organisations that are working on issues affecting young people in Bristol.

The BCYC also have Area Youth Forums three times a year. Many young people attend to share their views on the issues affecting the youth of Bristol. Following the area youth forums, the BCYC will have a Youth Voice Conference, to highlight the issues highlighted by the Area Youth Forums.

The Youth Voice Conference was held on the 6th of November during National Youth Work Week.

BCYC’s Knife Crime and Safety City-Wide Campaign

The BCYC has recently shared its manifesto which outlines their City-Wide Campaign.

In October 2023 the Bristol City Youth Council held its annual Youth Voice Conference. The top issue that the young people in attendance voted for as their priority at this conference was Knife Crime and Safety.

The newly elected Youth Council have gathered opinions of young people and aim to raise awareness surrounding knife crime, safety and various linked aspects in a city-wide campaign. The youth council will be working with local young people, police, decision makers, educational departments and youth workers to help young people feel safer in the city.

In April the BCYC took part in a two-day residential where they explored what safety means for young people. This residential enabled the youth council to break down their city-wide campaign into four sub-groups:

  • Knife Crime

The BCYC hope to reduce the risk of knife crime for young people. The youth council aims to do this by raising awareness and working with decision makers and authorities.

  • Prevention, education and welfare

The Prevention, Education and Welfare group are focusing on educating young people on how to prevent and recognise unsafe situations. This will include working with schools and focuses on addressing the root causes to ensure the wellbeing of young people in Bristol.

  • Police and crime

The Police and Crime subgroup aims to learn more about how police are working with young people. This subgroup wants to find out what is being done to improve relationships between the police and young people as well as what is being done to improve the city’s crime rate in relation to young people, helping them to feel secure and safe.

  • Safer Environments and Communities

The safer communities and environments subgroup aims to achieve safe surroundings for all within the community so that young people can express themselves freely in an environment they feel safe in. BCYC wants to work with local young people and higher authorities through social media and contacts in schools and other organisations. With their support BCYC want to ensure that young people in Bristol have safe spaces to go to that are fun and enjoyable.

UK Youth Parliament

UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) are elected members who represent young people regionally and nationally.

The UKYP aim to elevate the voices and issues of young people in Bristol across the country. The UKYP recently took part in their first South West regional Conference in July and are excited to attend the National Youth conference in October and the House of Commons sitting next March.

Supporting the Bristol City Youth Council

Bristol’s youth are crucial for societal progress, bringing fresh perspectives, innovation, and energy, and shaping the future of Bristol with their unique potential.

However, the BCYC are unable to make change alone. BCYC asks for any support and assistance from adults to help ensure the success of their campaigns.


For more information or to get in contact with the youth council please see below:

Email: ywpartipation@bristol.gov.uk

Instagram: @bristolcityyouthcouncil

BCYC Website page: Bristol City Youth Council

BCYC Manifesto: PowerPoint Presentation (bristol.gov.uk)