Lisburn Castlereagh Youth Council (LCYC) enables young people to engage with key decision makers, have their say on local issues, meet new friends and be a representative voice for young people in their area.
Youth Council Members are involved in influencing a range of council events and programmes and have the opportunity to undertake accredited training to grow and develop their skills and boost their confidence in representing young people’s views and opinions.
Since formed in 2017 the members if Lisburn & Castlereagh Youth Council have had opportunities and experiences they otherwise wouldn't have had access to. These include:
- Hosted an online Youth Conference with local post-primary schools to discuss topics such as mental health, sustainabilty, recycling etc.
- Developed and published a mental wellbeing journal entitled Just Breathe for Year 12 pupils. Printed in hard copy, available to download by clicking here and also online at https://www.youthonline.org.uk/looking-after-yourself/lcyc-just-breathe/
- Taken part in a residential to Killyleagh where they completed training to prepare for roles and responsibilities as a representative group
- Attended council meetings, reception/question and answer session with the Mayor and other councillors
- Travelled to a citizenship study visit in Dublin
- Attended 2 Study visits to London, where they linked with Lewisham Youth Council and a film making group, Fully Focused
- Planned and organised two youth service consultation events
- Completed Action Research with young people regarding anti-social behaviour and other issues affecting young people
- Participated in consultations and events with the PSNI, PCSP, Good Relations and PHA
- Travelled on a 5 day international study visit to Bilbao, Spain learning from youth groups and visiting the Basque Parliament
LCYC members meet on a regular basis to identify and resolve common issues relating to young people in the local area.