Barnet Youth Assembly
Skip to:
About Barnet Youth Assembly
Are you interested in local politics or want to build up your CV for next steps in education or work?
Young people under 18 cannot vote or stand for election. But you can still get involved by joining Barnet Youth Assembly.
We meet at Hendon Town Hall 4 - 6 times a year and sit in the council chamber, which is normally only used by adult elected politicians. Here young people debate and vote on motions - these can be about anything of interest or importance to young people that relates to Barnet.
Local Councillors and senior council leaders often attend these meetings to listen to the views of young people. You will get the chance to build your skills in public speaking and campaigning on local issues. Youth Assembly is chaired by 3 elected young people and members meet online between assemblies to select the motions to be debated.
If a motion passes we offer to support the young person to lobby to get their motion acted on - we will help you develop the skills you need to do this. You can still attend and take part even if you don’t want to propose a motion – Youth Assembly is a great way to meet others with similar interests and build skills for further education and the workplace.
Anyone in year 7-13 (aged 11-18 years) who lives or studies in Barnet can join.
Being a member of Barnet Youth Assembly will give you the opportunity to
- Be part of the democratic and civic process in Barnet
- Meet local councillors and share your views with them
- Take part in debates and develop motions for the council to consider
- Get work experience opportunities by taking part in the work of the assembly including public speaking, writing media content and collaborating with council officers on policy development.
What young people say
"My name is Ayaan and I am 13 years old. I attend school in Barnet and I am in Year 9. My parents informed me about the youth assembly and I was instantly interested.
On arrival at the October 2024 session, I was pleasantly greeted by the staff and other students. We were then directed upstairs to wait, snacking on delicious treats, where I met young people who were just as passionate about debating as I am.
We discussed some finance issues in Barnet, during a student's motion. This was important as I have lived in Barnet since birth, so all these problems have affected me and my family. When we were discussing, I finally felt as if children’s voices were heard, meaning we had a say in these problems, rather than being undermined due to our lack of age. It was then that I realised how incredible it was to have an opportunity at changing my hometown, leaving behind an impact to support our future generations.
I really enjoyed listening to the proposition of a student's motion and how people agreed and opposed to what he had spoken. This was not only really interesting, but in the end, it was not 1 voice but rather a great collection of everyone’s ideas in one motion. This wonderful opportunity had finally fulfilled my desire and I wish to carry on with my passion to not only to debate but rather to leave Barnet in a better situation without the word child being a hindrance."
Youth Assembly Achievements 2024 - 25
During 2024 Barnet Youth Assembly saw record attendance of 52 young people in our October session. The meeting was also attended by local councillors and the Leader and Directors of Children’s Services and Education. We started by debating a motion proposed by Freddie, which passed, calling on the council to share more information about the current financial challenges and protect services to children and young people. We elected Vanshi as our third youth chair and got feedback on what members want to do for the rest of the year. Afterwards we got some really encouraging feedback from members:
“Youth assembly is very welcoming first of all. You feel free to give your opinion, your choice. You feel part of something, you feel you can actually make a change and impact” Elitsa, 14
“As soon as I entered, I felt I was going to be part of something where I had influence. I felt I could make a positive change for Barnet. I have lived here all my life and I think it’s important to give back”. Reema, 15
“I really enjoyed our first Barnet Youth Assembly meeting of the academic year, where we engaged in a lively debate on an important motion. It was inspiring to hear everyone's perspectives and witness the passion for making a difference. The energy in the room was contagious, setting a great tone for the year ahead!" Paarth, 15
Barnet Youth Assembly has also gone international with a mention at the United Nations! Watch a previous Youth Assembly Chair Ishaan Shah talk about his involvement in Barnet’s youth and democracy offer and his role in developing the My Say Matters strategy.
Ishaan said “In September 2024, I was back in New York at the UN where I was invited to speak at the UN Pre-Summit of the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments.
Of course, since Barnet Youth Assembly and your support have been instrumental to my journey of civic participation and youth engagement, I had to speak about these and the accomplishments made at the local level.”
In May 2025 Barnet Youth Assembly undertook a trip to the House of Commons to find out more about the national democratic process. 17 of our members attended and got the chance to stand inside both the Commons and Lords chambers as part of an organised tour.
How to Apply
To join please complete the membership form below after which you will receive information about all our My Say Matters activities including Youth Board, but if you have a preference for a particular forum you can indicate this on the form.
If you have any questions, please email mysaymatters@barnet.gov.uk