About Us

Our History

Harlow Youth council was formed in February 2002 when Harlow District Council responded to the United Nations Rights of the Child, Every Child Matters and the ‘Hear by Right’ principles of involving young people in the decision making process.

Harlow Youth Council is a locally elected group of 13 – 19 year olds who live in Harlow. As a group, they represent the views and voices of young people in the town. It is an opportunity for all young people to have their say about things in Harlow through their youth councillor, e.g. the need for better facilities, more things to do, or to contribute to local consultations.

Harlow Youth Council is not affiliated to any political party and is politically neutral.

Harlow Youth Council's Aim:

To give young people in Harlow a voice in the community, at council and public meetings, and through Youth surgeries and events. A voice which will be heard and listened to by Harlow Council, providers of other services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people.
To involve all young people, including those hard-to-reach groups, in democracy, through community participation, consultation and active citizenship.
To raise the profile of young people to ensure that the decision makers recognise that young people are the future generation and therefore an important part of Harlow's future.

To be listened to and taken seriously.