New Belfast City Youth Council Recruitment Campaign Launches

A new recruitment campaign has been launched to find 30 new members of the Belfast City Youth Council (BCYC).

The young people elected, three from each electoral district, will represent all areas of the city and will work with Belfast City Council to make sure young people have their say on the issues most important to them.

Members of the Belfast City Youth Council work with key decision-makers to help shape the city and better the lives of young people by meeting to discuss issues, running projects and organising and participating in events.

Applications are open to young people aged 13 to 18, or up to 21 for those with a disability, those who have just left care or those who have been referred through social services. The Belfast City Youth Council meets twice per month in City Hall and other venues across the city, and participants remain on the BCYC for a period of two years.

Belfast City Youth Council applications are now open via an online expression of interest form at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/youthcouncil.

Drop-in information sessions – Recruitment Roadshows - will be taking place across the city in November and attendees are welcome to register their interest by emailing belfastcityyouthcouncil@belfastcity.gov.uk.

BCYC Recruitment Roadshow dates and locations

• Tuesday 07 November, 6-8pm, Andersonstown Leisure Centre, BT11 9BY

• Thursday 09 November, 6-8pm, Finaghy Community Centre, BT10 OER

• Tuesday 14 November, 6-8pm, Walkway Community Centre (EBAYP), BT5 5DH

• Thursday 16 November, 6-8pm, Girdwood Community Hub, BT14 6EG

• Tuesday 21 November, 6-8pm, Hammer Community Centre, BT13 1GG

• Thursday 23 November, 5-7pm, 2 Royal Avenue, BT1 1DA

Online information sessions at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/youthcouncil

• Friday 17 November, 4pm to 5pm

• Friday 24 November, 4pm to 5pm

Speaking ahead of the launch, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: "Belfast has one of the youngest populations in Europe, with young people making up a third of our people. Young people are the beating heart of this city and that's why I'm delighted to support the Belfast City Youth Council as they search for 30 new young advocates. It's vitally important that young people in the city have a voice at Council on the issues that affect them.

"The Belfast City Youth Council is a great opportunity to not only grow in confidence but make new friends, learn new skills – and it's a fantastic addition to a CV or university personal statement. I would encourage applications from all those who are keen to make a difference and be a voice for young people across Belfast. We need people from all areas, communities, backgrounds and lived experiences to be part of the conversation and play a role in shaping the city for the future."

Eva Bradley, former member of Belfast City Youth Council said: "I've been involved with the Belfast City Youth Council since 2021 and I've found it a great platform to have your voice heard and make positive change for young people in the city. Since being part of the BCYC, I have been able to develop my leadership, teamwork and communication skills."

Tomás Murphy, former member of Belfast City Youth Council said: "Being part of Belfast City Youth Council has helped ignite an interest in politics and youth activism. During my time here, I've been involved in discussions on RSE, have been involved in Peace IV projects and have welcomed other youth councils to a conference in City Hall. The BCYC has helped to build my public speaking skills as well as my confidence."

The recruitment will run until 30 November with the new youth council forming in January 2024 and serving until January 2026.