Redbridge Youth Council
Join the Youth Council and make a difference to your borough
Are you:
- feeling that there is nothing for young people to do?
- thinking that nobody ever listens to your views?
- wishing you had more input into what happens in Redbridge?
- aged between 11 and 19 and living and/or studying in Redbridge?
Then come and join the Redbridge Youth Council.
Redbridge Youth Elections - now open
For further information and to complete the Expression of interest form. Go to the Youth Election page
Redbridge Youth Council
Get involved
Join the Youth Council and make a difference to your borough. We want to give young people, aged 11 to 19, in Redbridge a say on the issues that matter to them and a chance to have their voice heard. As a member of the Youth Council, you will get involved in a number of campaigns. Some recent campaigns include raising awareness of mental health in schools, writing guidelines for schools about sexual harassment and looking at raising awareness about gangs and knife culture. You do not have to be elected to be a member of the Youth Council, just come along.
We meet at Redbridge Town Hall every Monday evening during term-time. If you’d like to attend please contact us or visit our get involved page. During our sessions we discuss things that matter to you and other young people in Redbridge. We also have guests from various external agencies such as Kooth, Via and CATTs (Cancer Awareness for Teens and Twenties). The meetings are run, with your help, by our MYPs.
Redbridge - Members of Youth Parliament
Meet your elected Redbridge Youth Members of Parliament (MYP) and Deputy Youth Member of Parliament (DYMP) for 2024/2026
In February 2024 over, 11,000 young people aged 11-18, voted in the Redbridge Youth Elections. Here, the 3 successful candidates write about what they plan to do over their 2-year term in office.
Anusha Hossain - MYP
My initiative, targets youth food poverty through school programs promoting free meals and reducing waste. Partnering with local businesses, I aim to ensure no young person goes hungry. I advocate for mental health prioritisation and a creative, skill-focused education system, offering career exploration, mentoring, and life skills. To combat domestic and child abuse, I propose trauma-informed training in schools. As a Member of the Youth Parliament, I'm dedicated to implementing these changes in Redbridge, my home. Together, we can reshape youth narratives, provide support, and break the cycle of abuse, fostering a healthier, more empowered community.
Yusuf Shobair - MYP
Redbridge faces a pressing, youth mental health crisis. My strategy encourages all Redbridge Schools to adopt the 'Watch Your Language' program or similar. Implementing a rewards/sanctions system to deter bullying and fostering a positive environment. I'll organise stress-relief and exam workshops, extracurricular activities, and peer mentorship programs. This comprehensive education package will include form time activities, forums, and engaging events to create a mentally healthier Redbridge.
In collaboration with local authorities, schools, ‘CFR’ Ambassadors and police, I'll amplify street safety awareness. Sanctions/rewards programs will target deviant behaviours like vaping and grooming by gangs. Safety measures include partnering with the police, schools and Transport for London to make public transport safer. Teaming up with local businesses, we'll establish certified safe zones with Bystander training programs, with Community Safety. The lighting up of risky areas and implementing cameras will further ensure our youth's safety.
Disadvantaged students bear the brunt of fuel poverty. I'll collaborate with local businesses, support groups, and charities to address this through inclusive opportunities and activities. Utilising Redbridge's social media, I'll promote events, fostering a sense of community. Engagement with Hainault Youth Centre and free opportunity providers will amplify our impact on youth, addressing fuel poverty and fostering inclusivity.
Inaaya Ijaz - DMYP
As a environmentalist, my mission is to make all schools Plastic Clever. I've already pioneered this initiative at my school by removing all single-use plastic bottles. I believe it's crucial for our generation to address this now, to avoid consequences later.
As a student who recently selected GCSE subjects, I realised the importance of connecting with universities earlier to explore potential career paths before making important decisions.
I believe in learning power beyond the classroom through national and international trips, to enrich our knowledge of the world and diverse cultures.
Manifesto Projects
Youth Police Football Match
"It was inspiring to see so many young people come together – not only to enjoy football, but to take part in meaningful conversations with the police, youth services and partners." - Yusuf Shobair
The recent Youth Police football match at Loxford Leisure Centre was a powerful example of what happens when leaders listen and communities come together. Around 40 young people took part in an afternoon that combined sport, con
versation and trust-building between young people, police, and community partners.
As Youth MP for Redbridge, one of my manifesto commitments has been to create more opportunities for education around street safety, and this event directly reflected that promise. Too often, young people – particularly those from minority backgrounds – feel distant from power, misrepresented, or misunderstood. Stop and search, misrepresentation, and community tensions are very real issues. But what I witnessed at this event was different: officers and young people meeting as equals, talking honestly about difficult topics, and then sharing the same pitch.
The football match was more than just a game. It showed the human side of policing, created space for conversations about crime and safety, and most importantly, left young people with a sense of being valued and listened to.
A special thank you must go to Superintendent Claire McCarthy for her leadership, Redbridge Youth Service, the team at Loxford Leisure Centre, Leyton Orient for bringing their U18 side, and the youth workers and police officers who gave their time and energy.
This event demonstrates what my role is truly about: not just words, but action. Representing over 30,000 young people in Redbridge means listening to concerns, working with partners, and making sure promises become reality. For those who doubt whether youth voice makes a difference – this event proves it can. Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, added: “This event marks a continued commitment by Redbridge Council and its partners to foster meaningful engagement, promote safety, and build trust within the community. It is vital that we provide opportunities, like this event and our regular MegaMix programme, during the school holidays for young people to unwind through sport and self-expression. Equally important is creating safe spaces where they can speak openly with council and police officers about issues affecting their lives.” Superintendent Clare McCarthy, Head of Neighbourhood Policing, said: “Playing sports and adding competitive matches is a great way to engage with young people who may ordinarily choose not to speak with police. These interactions helped officers show their human side, bridge the gap, and build stronger relationships with the next generation.”
Ilford Recorder Articles
One of the opportunities that are offered to Youth Council members, is to write an article for the Ilford Recorder Community Column.
October 2025 - Youth Achievement Awards Event
Being the Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for Redbridge has been one of the greatest things that ever occurred to me. The role has opened up my eyes to the chance of speaking for young people across our borough, to listen to their suggestions, speak on their behalf, and make their voices heard. With that privilege comes enormous responsibility, especially in coming up with initiatives that empower and inspire others
That feeling of responsibility encouraged me to organise Redbridge's Youth Academic Achievement Awards, a first-of-its-kind event to recognise student’s outstanding academic achievement. There were over 300 attendees, including students from across Redbridge secondary schools sixth forms, and their families.
We recognised three students for exceptional GCSE performance, one for exceptional progress, three for exceptional A-Level performance, and one for A-Level progress from each school. The evening celebrated not only academic excellence but also resilience and dedication. Guests enjoyed light refreshments and performances by two talented pianists. It was a proud moment for Redbridge; a sign that our borough truly values the achievements of its young people. I’m honoured to have made history with this event and hope future MYPs continue this new tradition.
As it is nearly the end of my term, I'm excited for the emergence of the next generation of young leaders. The nominations for the next Youth Elections are open until November 10th and I want to encourage all young people aged between 11 and 18 to have their say.
Being a MYP and a member of the Redbridge Youth Council is a great way to be the change. The Council allows young people to voice their opinions on issues that affect them most: education, mental health, safety, and the environment.
In February 2024, more than 11,000 young people voted in the Redbridge Youth Elections, a powerful reminder of how strong and influential youth voices can be. I hope next year’s election will be just as impactful, providing another opportunity for young lea
ders to step forward and take on this important responsibility. MYPs serve a two-year term, during which they focus on three key manifesto points that guide their work and drive meaningful change. To serve as a MYP means representing the young people of your borough in the House of Commons and creating initiatives that make a lasting difference in people’s lives. I wish every candidate the very best of luck.
Anusha Hossain Member of Youth Parliament (MYP)
August 2025 - Youth Council update
For a long time now, Redbridge Youth Council has been working hard to ensure the voices of young people across our borough are heard and valued.
One of our biggest achievements has been gathering a wide range of opinions from youth all over Redbridge, particularly around the topic of safety and how young people, can build a better relationship with our local Police. Through the Safer Neighbourhood Board, we are actively involved in discussions that focus on improving communication and trust between youth and law enforcement, helping to bridge that gap that so often gets overlooked.
We have had discussions about how to make our social media platforms and official website more appealing and engaging, so we can reach more young people and grow our membership.
What makes our Youth Council really effective is the constant feedback we receive from Redbridge Officers and partner organisations, giving us updates, listening to our views, and involving us in upcoming projects that matter.
Our MYPs are fully committed to their roles and manifesto promises, working hand-in-hand with us on projects that aim to improve life for young people. Pushing for more eco-friendly schools by going plastic-free or raising awareness on key issues, we’re working together to make our Borough better.
We’re working to make our meetings even more inclusive and representative of different voices across the Borough. Our campaigns are shaped by what we hear from other young people, so we are always taking in fresh ideas. We show up, contribute, and try our best to create real change, no matter how big or small.
Joining Redbridge Youth Council is honestly one of the best things you could do if you’re passionate about improving your community. It’s not just about talking, it’s about taking action, being involved in genuine change, and working on projects that actually make a difference. Attending meetings, you get access to some amazing opportunities. It’s such a great way to meet people from all walks of life who are just as passionate as you are. We’ve created this safe space where no one judges you, everyone’s voice counts, and we all uplift each other. Whether you’re confident or a bit shy, there’s always support, and over time you build confidence without even realising it.
If you want to be part of Youth Council – email Youth.Council@redbridge.gov.uk and we will let you know about where we meet each week.
-Mariam Attarwala
July 2025 - MYPs Conference
This past weekend 25th to 27th July, I had the honour of attending the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) Annual Conference at the University of Sussex, a dynamic gathering designed to amplify the voices of young people from across the UK. From the moment I arrived on Friday afternoon, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation as Youth MPs came together for a weekend of debate, policy-making, and collaboration. The conference opened with an inspiring ceremony. We heard from the Vice Chancellor of the University, who spoke passionately about youth-led change, followed by the CEO of the National Youth Agency, who reminded us of our vital role in shaping the future. A ministerial message from the Minister for Sports, Media, Civil Society and Youth reinforced the government's support for our work.
I joined the Home Affairs, Justice and Defence Committee. Our first session introduced the key policy areas for the weekend, setting the tone for rich and thoughtful discussions. That evening, we enjoyed a group dinner followed by a lively quiz testing both general knowledge and the history of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP).
Saturday was intense and rewarding. After breakfast, we began with regional meetings and guest speaker sessions, then resumed our committee focus, tackling one of the most urgent issues facing young people today: knife crime. Our group conducted thorough research, gathering national data, analysing causes, and assessing government responses. We produced documents highlighting the scale of the problem and proposed clear, practical solutions. These included increasing investment in youth services, delivering targeted education in schools, and enhancing community policing.
Following a short lunch break, we presented our findings and discussed resolutions. The session was filled with powerful insights, and the sense of shared purpose was clear. That evening, we celebrated our progress at the UKYP Summer Social, a well-earned DJ summer party that brought everyone together.
On Sunday, we met for breakfast and finalised our committee’s presentation. It was our opportunity to consolidate everything we had achieved and present our recommendations to all Youth MPs. The weekend concluded with UK-wide plenary updates and a closing lunch. As I left Sussex, I felt energised and inspired. This was more than a conference; it was a powerful reminder of what young people can accomplish when given the platform and support to lead.
If you are interested in joining the Youth Council – please email Youth.Council@Redbridge.gov.uk
Anusha Hossain Member of Youth Parliament (MYP)
Child Friendly Redbridge (CFR) Ambassadors
Redbridge understands how important young people are and so we are working with UNICEF and Redbridge young people known as Ambassadors to become a Child Friendly Borough. For more information about this check out the Child Friendly Redbridge Ambassador homepage.
For more information about the wider programme check out the Child Friendly Redbridge website.
Redbridge Youth on Instagram
For all our news follow 'Redbridge Youth' on Instagram. Our page will provide you with everything you need to know about youth services and being young in Redbridge.
We will bring you information on a range of things including:
- youth service activities
- leisure and sporting activities
- education
- training and job opportunities and much more
We want this to become the place where you get all of the information you need as a young person in Redbridge.
Get in touch with us
Contact us at youth.council@redbridge.gov.uk
