West Berkshire Council, in partnership with Berkshire Youth, is inviting young people to apply to become members of the new West Berkshire Youth Council.

The opening of applications marks the next exciting step in delivering plans announced in December 2025 to establish a Youth Council and a network of Youth Forums across the district. Working together, West Berkshire Council and Berkshire Youth are creating opportunities for young people to have a stronger voice in local decision-making and play an active role in shaping the future of their communities.

Applications for the Youth Council are now open and close on Friday 14 August, giving young people aged 12-17 the opportunity to represent their peers and influence decisions that affect young people across West Berkshire.

The Youth Council is a major step forward in empowering young people to shape the future of the district. Run by young people, for young people, it will provide a platform to discuss the issues that matter most, engage directly with councillors and council officers, and help influence policies, services and projects for the benefit of young residents.

The initiative delivers on a key priority within the Council Strategy to ensure young people have a meaningful voice in local governance.

To help launch the initiative, West Berkshire Council and Berkshire Youth are hosting the first Youth Forum on Wednesday 15 July 2026, from 4:30pm to 6:00pm, at the Waterside Centre in Newbury.

Open to all young people across West Berkshire, the forum is an opportunity to share ideas, discuss the issues that matter most, and help shape the future direction of the Youth Council in a comfortable space. Whether you’re interested in becoming a Youth Council member or simply want your voice to be heard, everyone is welcome. You’ll also have the chance to meet the team behind the initiative, ask questions and find out more about how to get involved.

Councillor Jeff Brooks, Leader of West Berkshire Council, said: “The recruitment phase for our new Youth Council is an important milestone. Since announcing our plans last year, we’ve been working closely with Berkshire Youth to create a meaningful opportunity for young people to have their voices heard and influence decisions that affect their lives.

“We want the Youth Council to represent the diverse views and experiences of young people across West Berkshire, and I would encourage anyone who wants to make a difference in their community to put themselves forward.”

 Kerrie Hiscock, Youth and Community Manager at Berkshire Youth, said: “This is a real opportunity for more young people to have their voices heard and to be part of the decisions that affect them. Youth voice is for everyone – you don’t need any previous experience, special skills or confidence in public speaking to join the Youth Council.

“We’re looking for young people from all backgrounds, communities and lived experiences, not just those who’ve already been involved in youth groups or leadership roles.

“If you’ve never done anything like this before, that’s absolutely fine, we’ll support you every step of the way. What matters most is that you bring your own perspective, because every young person’s experiences and ideas are valuable, and everyone should have the chance to help shape their community.”

Applications are open until 14 August, with successful applicants joining the first West Berkshire Youth Council meeting later this year.

For more information and how to apply, please email: Kerrie Hiscock at Berkshire Youth on: Kerrie.Hiscock@berkshireyouth.co.uk.