The NI Youth Forum (NIYF) launched the Youth Manifesto for Change in April 2022, bringing together youth-led research and the views of thousands of young people on key societal issues. The manifesto includes four BIG ASKS, one of which was to establish an All-Party Group for Young People to facilitate discussions between policymakers and young people.
A Cross-Party Group was formed in April 2023, which transitioned into the All-Party Group on Youth Participation in February 2024, when power-sharing returned to Stormont. The group holds regular meetings with stakeholders, government bodies, and young people.
The NI Youth Forum are the secretariat for the APG, which means we lead on the planning and administrative tasks. Uniquely we are the only youth-led secretariat in the NI Assembly, and it is young people who are at the forefront of deciding what theme to focus on, who we should invite to present and support the delivery of the APG reports.
The NIYF Executive Committee (2021-2023) initially focused on Mental Health, emphasizing the need for urgent action to reduce waiting lists, support community programs, and directly engage young people in improving services. It was then decided to look at the theme of Youth Housing and Homelessness given the major crisis facing young people.
In 2024-2024, the APG gained great momentum, and its impact has grown substantially. Approximately 240 people had attended the APG meetings as well as 19 different organisations from across NI being represented. 17 individual MLA’s have attended and contributed to the APG. This also included an appearance from the Minister for the Department for Communities who gave insight into the work of the department and welcomed young people’s ideas and opinions.
To find out more information about the APG on Youth Participation, please feel free to contact one of the team members below who support the work of the APG Secretariat.
Natalie Corbett
Arón Hughes
Lauren McAreavey
Summary Report Mental Health
In February 2024, we launched a report summarises the key presentations made on the APG theme of mental health from various organisations, government departments and bodies, individuals and, importantly, young people. Our report also includes key recommendations which young people called for in relation to addressing the Mental Health crisis in Northern Ireland.
Summary Report on Youth Housing and Homelessness
In April 2025, we launched a report which summarises the key presentations made on the APG theme of youth housing and homelessness from various organisations, government departments and bodies, individuals and, importantly, young people. Our report also includes 18 key asks which young people called for in relation to addressing the ever-growing homelessness crisis in Northern Ireland.
