Young people care, it's time we paid attention
How many times have we heard that young people don’t care.
But that’s simply not true.
Young people care. They care about their communities, their education, their future and that of their friends, family and loved ones. But too often and for too long, what young people have to say is either down played, ignored or left completely out of the main conversation. That’s how we get to the ‘young people don’t care’ narrative, and that’s how we disengage and desenstise young people to taking part in conversations around the things that matter to them.
Young people are a key part of our communities. They are also our future, and what they have to say and the things they care about matter. Not only to use, but to future generations.
So, just like we listen to groups, charity and community leaders, we also want to listen to young people. But we don’t just want to listen for the sake of listening. We want to leave with actions. Things we can do and carry forward, so that in a few months time we can feedback and show young people that we listened and we acted. That their voice matters and that by bringing them together, change can happen.
So we did exactly that.
A youth workshop for young people, by young people
Over the Easter holidays, we brought together young people from across County Durham and Tees Valley for a ‘People who care’ workshop at Ryhope Engines Museum in Sunderland. This was made possible thanks to support from Northumbrian Water, one of our earliest supporters.
The youth workshop was led and facilitated by Rylie Sweeney, one of the Children’s Commissioner’s ambassadors. Rylie wanted to meet young people to also hear what they had to say so that she can feed it into her line of work. Opportunities for young people from County Durham and Tees Valley to influence policy and decision making is rare, and so we were delighted to bring Rylie on board for this workshop.
The entire day was rooted in one simple belief: young people should shape the conversations that affect their lives.
Learning from place and history
We began the day with a tour of the museum, guided by Keith and the volunteer team who keep the museum running.
Their passion brought the site to life. The museum is a Victorian steam-powered water pumping station, still preserved through volunteer care and community pride.
It tells a powerful story about our region and its people. Engineering, innovation and public health were shaped here.
We chose the site as it reminded us that our communities across the North East have always been at the hear of innovation, and that great things have been built and solved here. We wanted the young people to feel spark of pride, excitement and connection. Because the legacy and heritage of Ryhope Engines Museum is there’s too.
Opening up opportunity
As well as connecting us with the museum, Northumbrian Water joined us for a careers talk.
Helen spoke with young people about the wide range of careers and pathways within the organisation.
She explored everything from apprenticeships through to funded research and innovation that is transforming the sector. She also highlighted the use of AI and drone technology, which really captured attention and sparked curiosity among the young people.
She shared with them the many different roles exist within one organisation. And how there is no single route into opportunity within Northumbrian Water.
Listening to young people
The aim of the day was simple. We asked young people what matters to them.
They spoke openly about their hopes, pressures and ambitions. They also shared what they want adults and decision-makers to understand.
This is our role. Not to arrive with answers. But to listen properly. And then act on what we hear.
Because bringing young people together without follow-through is not enough.
Turning voices into action
Over the coming weeks, Rylie will bring together the insights from the workshop into a report.
We will use this to shape our next steps and ensure the conversations lead to change.
Listening only matters if it leads to action.
What happens next
We will continue to bring young people together, listen first, and act on what they tell us.
Because communities across County Durham and Tees Valley are not just part of the conversation. They lead it.
Get involved
If you would like to support our work with young people, or receive updates and a copy of the final report, we would love to hear from you.
Get in touch with us to find out more and be part of what happens next.
0191 378 6340
