Bucks Youth Summit 2026

Introduction

On Tuesday 10 March 2026, the fourth Bucks Youth Summit took place at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury! The event invited young people from across the county to share their voice on the biggest issues and areas of interest for young people in Buckinghamshire today.

Who was there?

The event was planned and delivered by members of Buckinghamshire’s county-wide youth forum, the Youth Voice Bucks team and the Youth Voice Executive Committee

It was inclusive, welcoming a diverse range of young people. Attendees included young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), those with care experience, Electively Home Educated young people, and gender non-binary and trans young people.

In total, 164 young people took part, representing 20 schools and 11 youth groups across the county.

The event was also supported by over 70 professionals from a wide range of partner organisations and teams.

Feedback

“I just wanted to say thank you for all your work in making today such a success. The way you brought everything together, and the space you created for young people to speak openly about what matters to them, really reflects the values we want to lead with as a service.”

“Thanks again for organising such a great Youth Summit – it was a brilliant event to be part of!”

“The level of engagement and interest from the young people at the summit was so lovely and inspiring, and not only that but from the other stall holders and other grown ups too – I imagine that was down to the careful planning and hard work of the organisers, so thank you!”

“You put on an AMAZING event today, thank you for making it so nice and welcoming for us and all our young people!”

“You should be really proud it was such a good day. I really enjoyed being on the Community Engagement Space!”

“It’s always such a pleasure to host you all here and I’m delighted that the young people like being here as well.”

The Active Health Space

The space offered a welcoming and energetic environment for young people to get active, learn, and explore health and wellbeing in an open, supportive setting.
LEAP, working in partnership with The Open University’s Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Research Group and Public Health, delivered a series of engaging activities.
Young people were encouraged to share their ideas and lived experiences of health and wellbeing, giving valuable insight into what matters most to them.
This feedback will help shape future wellbeing initiatives and ensure they reflect young people’s needs and priorities.
More detailed outcomes from the event will be shared at the end of March.

The Technology in Education Space 💻

The space explored how AI and digital technology are reshaping education and the future of learning.
Attendees took part in activates which asked them how they feel about using AI in their education settings.
Participants shared their ideas, hopes, and concerns about the role of technology in education settings.
The conversation space was facilitated by Aylesbury MP Laura Kryke‑Smith, who guided discussions and listened to young people’s perspectives.
More detailed outcomes from the event will be shared at the end of March.

The Social & Emotional Health Space 🤗

The space explored how friendships, relationships, school life and wider experiences influence young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Young people were encouraged to share their perspectives on the support they need to feel safe, connected and understood.
The session was facilitated by CAMHS, alongside Article 12 young people, and Electively Home Educated young people who were Mental Health Champions working with Brighter Futures.
Young people’s ideas will help shape improved emotional wellbeing support across Buckinghamshire.
More detailed outcomes from the event will be shared at the end of March.

The Identity Space 🫆

The space invited young people to explore identity, belonging, gender, sexuality and self‑expression through open and supportive conversations.
Young people were encouraged to share their experiences and celebrate what makes them unique.
The session was facilitated by Brighter Futures, alongside young people from Over the Rainbow.
Members of the Shout Out for SEND Youth Forum also facilitated the space.
Insights from the space will help shape more inclusive support for young people across Buckinghamshire.
More detailed outcomes from the event will be shared at the end of March.

The Community Engagement Space 🤝

The space introduced young people to the many ways they can get involved in their local community, from accessing library services to supporting friends, neighbours and family members.
Young people learned about free eBooks, out‑of‑hours library access and other practical community resources available to them.
Conversations explored local volunteering opportunities and how young people can play an active role in shaping stronger, more connected communities across Buckinghamshire.
The session was facilitated by Community Impact Bucks, Libraries and Archives, Families First and other Bucks Council colleagues.
Insights from the space will help inform improvements to community‑based services for young people.
More detailed outcomes from the event will be shared at the end of March.

The Political Engagement Space 📣

This space focused on transport priorities and how local transport decisions affect young people across Buckinghamshire.
Young people shared their views on what matters most to them, resulting in 70 transport‑related outcomes for Bucks Council to take forward into the Local Transport Plan (LTP5)
The session was facilitated by Bucks Council, including a Transport Strategy Officers, alongside local Councillors who supported discussions.
More detailed outcomes from the event will be shared at the end of March.