Young People Lead the Way at First EMCCA Youth Committee

Young people have shared their ideas for the future of the East Midlands at the inaugural meeting of a new regional youth committee.

The new members of the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) youth committee came together, in Chesterfield, with Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, to meet each other and shape how the committee will work going forward.

The event, which took place yesterday (Wednesday 29 October) was all about listening to young people’s voices and exploring what Youth Ambition means for the East Midlands. The Committee came together to share ideas about the future of the region and what matters most to them, and how young people can play a real role in regional decision-making.

Mayor Claire Ward was delighted with the turnout and said it was inspiring to hear the views of the young people, their hopes for the future, the challenges they face, and their ideas for positive change across the region.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:

“I am so pleased that the young people on our Youth Committee are investing their time to be part of this. Our region has been left behind for too long, and if we want to change that, we have to start with our young people, giving them real choice about their future.”

“Many young people I’ve spoken to over the years have felt that they can’t do well here in the East Midlands, and that needs to change. Of course, there will be people who want to experience the wider world, but I want young people to have a real choice to build a life here in our region. But I can’t do it alone, I need to understand what matters most to you and what will make the biggest difference.”

Mayor Ward added that the EMCCA Youth Committee will play a vital role in giving young people a voice in shaping decisions on; skills, jobs, transport, housing, and other key issues that affect their lives.

“The EMCCA Youth Committee will be at the heart of how we empower youth leadership,” she said. “It will send a strong message that we value young people and want them to help shape the future of our region.”

This first workshop marked the start of bringing the EMCCA Youth Ambition to life. From the very beginning, young people have helped guide its direction and now they are taking the lead in sharing it across the region.

By championing Youth Ambition, young people are using their ideas, lived experiences, and leadership to make real change, ensuring opportunities and support reach young people in ways that truly work for them.

Young People Speak. EMCCA Listens. We Act Together.