We’re inviting the young people you work with to take part in the Youth Voice Census 2025 – a powerful national survey that gives young people a platform to share their views and influence the decisions that shape their lives, especially here in West Yorkshire.

The Youth Voice Census is a vital annual survey that gathers the perspectives of young people aged 11 to 30 on a range of crucial topics, including their experiences with education, the world of work, and overall life in our region.

This year, we’re pleased to share that the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is proudly supporting the Youth Voice Census. This underscores WYCA’s commitment to understanding the needs and aspirations of our young people. The data collected through this census will be invaluable in informing policy and decision-making at a regional level. By listening directly to the voices of young people, WYCA aims to ensure that services, opportunities, and support systems are truly aligned with their needs and will help them thrive in West Yorkshire.

Why Participation Matters – Ensuring Diverse Voices are Heard

To ensure that WYCA’s policies and decisions are truly representative and effective, it is absolutely crucial that we receive responses from a wide range of young people across our diverse demographics. This includes young people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences within West Yorkshire.

You, as educators, play a pivotal role in making this happen. Your connection with young people and your ability to encourage their participation is key to achieving a truly representative response rate. By promoting the Youth Voice Census within your schools, colleges, youth groups, and other educational settings, you can empower young people to have their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them.

What is the Youth Voice Census?

The Youth Voice Census provides a safe and anonymous platform for young people to share their honest opinions and experiences. It covers topics such as:

• Their experiences in education and training.
• Their views on career opportunities and the transition to work.
• Their perspectives on life in West Yorkshire, including their wellbeing and access to services.

It’s important to reassure young people that their responses are completely anonymous, ensuring they can share their thoughts freely and honestly without fear of identification. The collective data will then be used to identify key trends and challenges, ultimately informing positive change.

Key Information for Young People:

Get to Know the Census

• Aged 11- 30? The Youth Voice Census is your chance to share how you feel about school, work and life.
• Don’t worry – it’s completely anonymous. Your answers will be used to help inform real-world change to make your experiences better.
• Every year, thousands of people complete the survey, sharing their opinions to shape the future.
• Depending on the answers you give, the survey can take between 10 and 45 minutes to complete. You can start and stop as many times as you like, saving your progress as you go!

Call to Action for Educators:

Please encourage all the young people you work with to complete the Youth Voice Census before the closing date of 6 June. You can do this through:

• Sharing information in classrooms and tutor groups.
• Including details in newsletters and online learning platforms.
• Facilitating dedicated time for students to complete the census where appropriate.
• Highlighting the importance of their voice in shaping the future of West Yorkshire.

By working together, we can ensure that the Youth Voice Census captures the diverse perspectives of young people across our region, providing WYCA with the vital data needed to create a more supportive and thriving environment for all.

Thank you for your commitment to empowering young people and for your support in making the Youth Voice Census a success.

Resources to support you

Download your census pack here.

Use this lesson plan to help students complete the 2025 Youth Voice Census and understand the value of adding their voice.

Get Involved with Your Say Day: Choose a day before the Census closes to host a Your Say Day! A ‘Your Say Day’ gives young people in your network a dedicated time and space to complete the census. Learn more.

Share an Accessible Version of the Census: here.

Voluntary Action Leeds