Young people from across Wales took their seats at the Senedd on Tuesday 20 October for the second ScoutsCymru Youth Parliament, putting forward ideas, debating proposals and voting on the changes they want to see in their communities.
Delivered by ScoutsCymru in partnership with Cymru Global and funded by the Welsh Government via the Democratic Engagement Grant, the event brought together young people from Willows High School, St Cyres School and Y Pant Comprehensive School, alongside Scouts and Sea Cadets, for a day of discussion, debate and democratic decision-making.
Sponsored and opened by Heledd Fychan MS, Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, the event gave the young people participating the opportunity to experience democracy in action while exploring some of the issues affecting young people in Wales today.
From political engagement and education to transport, poverty, the Welsh language and climate change, there was no shortage of subjects for discussion.
But one message came through particularly strongly: young people don’t just want to be asked for their views. They want to know that somebody is listening and that their contributions can make a difference.
From discussion to decision-making
The morning began with discussions about the challenges facing young people and the barriers that can prevent them from participating fully in society.
Participants spoke about inequalities in access to opportunities, the cost of transport, difficulties finding information about how to engage in the democratic process, and the need for greater confidence in using Welsh outside the classroom.
They also questioned how meaningful some opportunities for youth engagement really are, particularly when young people are asked for their opinions but receive little feedback about what happens next.
Following these discussions, participants worked together to develop proposals for change, build alliances and persuade others to support their ideas.
In the afternoon, they returned to present 13 propositions to the Youth Parliament. Each was followed by a period of debate and clarification, giving participants the opportunity to question proposals, challenge ideas and consider different perspectives before casting their votes.
It was democracy in action, with young people experiencing first-hand the importance of discussion, negotiation, compromise and collective decision-making.
Ten proposals receive support
Of the propositions considered, ten motions secured sufficient support to pass.
Among them were proposals to establish permanent youth advisory boards in community councils, create youth councils with regular feedback from Members of the Senedd, improve opportunities to use Welsh and introduce reduced train fares for young people to be ab le to attend events where they can make their voices heard.
Other successful proposals included confidence-building workshops, greater opportunities for young people to influence climate change policy and an accessible digital platform through which young people could share their views and receive feedback about the outcomes.
One proposal attracted unanimous support – the creation of a £20,000 youth participation fund, which would enable young people to develop projects and vote on how funding should be allocated.
The proposal reflected a recurring theme throughout the day that young people want responsibility as well as representation.
Not every proposition was successful, but the debates demonstrated the value of listening to different perspectives and considering how proposals might be refined to secure greater support.
Making young people’s voices count
The event also highlighted some of the barriers that can prevent young people from getting involved in democratic processes.
Participants recognised that transport costs, geography, financial circumstances, accessibility and confidence can all affect someone’s ability to participate.
There was also a strong emphasis on the need for better communication between young people and decision-makers, particularly around what happens after their views have been shared.
For ScoutsCymru, the Youth Parliament was an opportunity to bring the skills and values of Scouting into a wider democratic setting, encouraging young people to develop confidence, leadership, teamwork and communication skills while taking an active interest in the world around them.
Following the event, ScoutsCymru will share a report of the day’s discussions, proposals and voting outcomes with Members of the Senedd who were keen to hear what the young people had to say. The report will help ensure that the views, ideas and priorities expressed by the young people are brought to the attention of those involved in making decisions that affect their lives.
The young people demonstrated that they are ready to contribute, challenge and lead. What matters now is ensuring their voices continue to be heard.
ScoutsCymru would like to thank everyone who helped make the day possible, including Amber and Sioned from Cymru Global, Heledd Fychan MS, the Members of the Senedd who took time to speak with participants, the teachers and youth leaders who supported the event and, most importantly, the young people whose enthusiasm, ideas and commitment made the second ScoutsCymru Youth Parliament such a success.
What was it like to take part in the ScoutsCymru Welsh Youth Parliament? For 15-year-old Explorer Scout Evie Tazzyman from Denbigh, it was an opportunity to make her voice heard, meet young people from across Wales and discover how democracy works in practice.
Evie, a member of Gwylanod Explorers in Prestatyn, was the only young person from the Clwyd Scout area to attend the event. Representing Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan, she researched issues affecting young people in those areas before joining discussions, debates and votes at the Senedd.
She also had the opportunity to meet Members of the Senedd and hear more about their work.
Reflecting on the experience, Evie said:
“I have a better understanding of how proposals and decisions are made, and how difficult it can be to get others to agree on things you are passionate about. Meeting new people from all over Wales and developing closer relationships with people in Scouting and other youth groups was the best part.
“As we get closer to voting age, we need to know how the Senedd works and that we can help make a difference. I feel so much more confident speaking about things that interest me, and I think others would benefit loads too.”
Jacob Jones, District Lead Volunteer for Vale of Clwyd Scouts, said Evie’s experience reflected what Scouting is all about, “giving young people opportunities to speak up, develop confidence and play an active part in their communities.”
And Evie’s Scouting adventures don’t stop there. In 2027, she’ll be representing Vale of Clwyd Scouts at the World Scout Jamboree in Poland.
