2nd June - Youth Minister Signs The Power of Youth Charter with Young People from Ipswich

I'm always proud to be part of Team Ipswich, but I especially was today.

Today is the #PowerOfYouthDay, where we come together to celebrate, amplify and grow youth social action.

This year's theme is #CommonGround, both a simple and powerful act, choosing to stand together, with and for young people. Because when young people’s voices are truly heard, everything gets better.

This afternoon, Youth and Civil Society Minister Stephanie Peacock signed The Power of Youth Charter. I am delighted our Department - the Department for Culture, Media and Sport - is the first in Government to do so.

I signed the Charter myself two years ago, and Ipswich is a trailblazer in championing young people - it became the UK's first Town of Youth Social Action in 2023.

Today's signing builds on our Government’s £500 million National Youth Strategy -Youth Matters - the first of its kind in 20 years.

Young people from Ipswich were at the heart of both moments, joining other brilliant young people from across the country. They are shaping their own futures, as well as those of generations to come.

As ever, they spoke with such passion, authenticity and clarity, and, as ever, they represented our town with distinction. They are not just leaders of tomorrow, but leaders right now, today.

They are inspiring and we should all be incredibly proud of them.