About Youth Council
Youth Council aims to be a representative group of young people aged 11-18 years who live, attend school or college or work within Westmorland and Furness.
The Youth Council is funded and managed by Westmorland and Furness Council and has the support of Participation Workers.
If you would like to find out more or join the group then please email rightsandparticipation.waf@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk and one of our workers (Lynne or Sarah) will get back in touch with you.
The role of Youth Councillor
As a youth councillor the role requires a level of commitment by young people to attend regular meetings and work towards delivering projects, either themselves or in partnership with other organisations, to address issues identified by the youth council as their priorities for the year ahead. From 2026 the Youth Council meets twice within a monthly period – one district meeting (Eden/South Lakes/Barrow) and one full council meeting chaired by the Member of Youth Parliament.
In addition, youth councillors are often asked to provide a ‘youth voice’ to officials, including partner organisations, who request guidance on documents designed for young people. The range of requests includes conducting consultations and can include sitting on interview panels.
Youth Councillors are also given the opportunity to train as Young Inspectors.
Youth Parliament
In Westmorland and Furness we have one Member of Youth Parliament. The elections for the new member of Youth Parliament will take place in March 2026. Closing date to apply to stand for election as MYP is January 4th 2026.
We have lots of information about the MYP role and the current election.
2025 events
Here are some of the key highlights and achievements from 2025:
- Attended YOFO events
- MYP visit to Houses of Parliament
- Created BLINK magazine
- Created Bookmarks to promote awareness of Neurodivergence
Limitless Youth (SEND Youth Council)
Limitless Youth is the newly formed group providing a voice to young people with additional needs or disabilities. The group is aimed at young people aged 11-18 and we are currently exploring Limitless Youth+ for young people 18-25. The group currently meets monthly online with plans for occasional in-person meetings throughout the year.
If you would like to find out more or join the group then please email rightsandparticipation.waf@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk and one of our workers (Lorna or Sarah) will get back in touch with you.
Current events
New project coming January 2026
2025 events
Launch of Limitless Youth – choosing the name!