NI Youth Forum is funded by The Electoral Commission to support young people and other practitioners who work with young people, to better understand democracy, elections, and political participation.
The Youth Voice Network is a UK-wide programme, and NI Youth Forum leads the Northern Ireland Youth Voice Network for The Electoral Commission. Made up of Youth Voice Champions, the Network helps shape Electoral Commission work through consultations, supports the design of youth-friendly resources, and delivers youth-led events and campaigns.
A new programme launched in late 2025, aiming to strengthen democratic education across Northern Ireland through practitioner collaboration, training, resource development and Welcome to Your Vote Week delivery.
WHY THIS WORKMATTERS
Democracy works best when people understand it, trust it, and feel confident taking part. Our work helps create learning opportunities that are accessible, inclusive and relevant to young people.
- Supports young people to explore what democracy means to them
- Builds practitioner confidence and knowledge to deliver impartial and impactful democratic education
- Strengthens youth voice in decision-making and resource development
- Ensures democracy education is clear, inclusive and jargon-free
If you’d like to learn more about either programme, or explore how your school, youth setting or organisation can get involved, contact Arón.
Arón Hughes
Project News
14Sep
On Friday we held our latest Democratic Education Forum meeting!
On Friday we held our latest Democratic Education Forum meeting! It was a packed day bringing members together to share... read more
09Sep
Preparing Young People for Democracy
Preparing Young People for Democracy On Friday, our team was at Belfast Metropolitan College delivering a Preparing Young People for... read more
07Sep
Something exciting is coming…
Something exciting is coming… We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with The read more
08Aug
We’re hiring at a critical moment
We’re hiring at a critical moment for democratic education and youth participation NI Youth Forum is recruiting a Democratic Education... read more
25Jun
Democratic Education Forum
On Tuesday, we held the second meeting of the Democratic Education Forum It was a jam-packed agenda, featuring: An update... read more
08Jun
Improving Democratic Education Project
Last week, we officially launched our Improving Democratic Education Project at Parliament Buildings A huge thank you to everyone who... read more
18May
NI Youth Forum is with Electoral Commission UK and The Politics Project.
Last week, Natalie and Arón were in London meeting with read more
10Mar
WHY VOTING MATTERS
WHY VOTING MATTERS Yesterday, we hosted our Why Voting Matters event as part of Welcome to Your Vote Week... read more