Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal recently visited Bristol to listen to the ideas and opinions of young people. The visit helped to amplify youth voice on a range of issues.

 

There are more than 11 million young people in the UK. They make up over a fifth of the population and not only do they represent Britain’s future, they hold a significant stake in our present. In Bristol, the proportion of youth is substantially higher – with 33 per cent of residents being under 25, the city is an ideal setting to engage with young people from a range of diverse backgrounds.

The #iwill movement asserts that:

Young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow. They have the energy, skills and ideas to improve society and our environment today. Now, more than ever, we need to grow the Power of Youth.

 

On 8th June 2022, HRH The Princess Royal visited Bristol’s central youth hub, The Station, to do just that. As well as viewing an art exhibition created by young asylum seekers and refugees, she spoke with more than 50 young people during the special UK Youth event. The visit was hosted with the support of Creative Youth Network, and The Princess witnessed the organisation’s CEO, Mark Coates, sign #iwill’s Power of Youth Charter. He explained: “I am delighted to have signed the Power of Youth Charter today. By doing so, we’re making our public commitment to giving more young people a voice. It’s an initiative that we wholeheartedly support – we shouldn’t be taking decisions about young people without young people, and the Charter will help keep that at the forefront of our organisational culture. We’re excited to see more young people we work with become changemakers and have a real influence across Bristol and beyond.”

 

Empowering Young People to be Changemakers

 

Based on insights gathered from #iwill campaign partners and #iwill Ambassadors, the Power of Youth Charter provides a framework for organisations to empower more young people to shape decisions, take social action and make a positive difference.

 

As UK Youth’s lead partner in Bristol, Creative Youth Network works on the youth charter with national organisations, as well as bringing together local organisations to help fulfil its ambitions. The royal visit was an opportunity to showcase a selection of Bristol-based initiatives and demonstrate how they are empowering young people through social action projects.

 

The Princess Royal’s Commitment to Supporting Youth Work

 

HRH The Princess Royal has significant experience in engaging people on a broad range of topics – The Princess is involved with over 300 charities, organisations and military regiments in the UK and overseas, and devotes a large part of her working life to official engagements and visits. 

 

Throughout her philanthropic career, The Princess Royal has shown great commitment to understanding the needs of children and young people. The Princess has been President of Save the Children UK since 1970, and it was the first major charity with which she became closely associated. It has given her great insight into the needs of children worldwide and an understanding of the issues affecting young people today.

 

HRH The Princess Royal has been a Patron of UK Youth since 2003. She makes a number of personal appearances each year on behalf of the organisation, and has a genuine understanding and passion of the positive impact UK Youth has on young peoples’ lives.

 

UK Youth and Creative Youth Network greatly appreciate the encouragement that The Princess has shown the young people of Bristol. HRH The Princess Royal has helped the young people to feel that their voices are being heard by people in significant leadership positions.

 

I think The Princess Royal is one of the nicest people I’ve met – she took a real interest, not just in the causes we represent but in us as individuals.

 – Danielle Aleria, #iwill Ambassador

Bringing Youth Support Organisations Together

 

The event brought together a collection of specialist youth organisations who support young people through the arts and social action, by offering learning experiences and training opportunities. Additional partner organisations involved included ACE CIC, Babbasa, Bristol Horn Youth Concern, Bristol Refugee Rights and Volunteering Matters.

 

A host of local dignitaries were also in attendance, including Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol Mrs. Peaches Golding, High Sherriff of Bristol Ms Ardalan Raikes, Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Paula O’Rourke, Bristol Youth Mayor Anika Mistry, and Bristol City Youth Council Chair Lucy Morling.