Youth councillors team up with Cabinet members to shape the future of Southend

January 28, 2026

Power to the young people of Southend, who took an important step in shaping the future of their city as members of the Southend City Youth Council upon meeting with Cabinet members for a special induction session on 13 January 2026.

For many of these aspiring young members, this was their first opportunity to see how leadership decisions are made—and how their voices can directly influence them.

Youth Mayor Noah Murphy‑Brown, 16, excitedly noted that "the launch of the Cabinet meetings was an undoubtable success, being a massive step forward for young people’s voices being allowed to shape the city we live in and will inherit. A big thank you to everyone involved in making this happen and I cannot wait for what we can do thanks to this in the future."

A major highlight of the session was the official launch of the Youth Compact: a shared agreement between Southend-on-Sea City Council and the Southend-on-Sea City Youth Council.

What this means in practice?

The Compact sets out clear expectations on how both sides will work together, from regular joint meetings and standing invitations to briefings, to direct input on policies that affect young people. It also formalises pairings between Youth Council Officers and Cabinet members, ensuring every portfolio—from climate to culture, safety to finance—includes a young person’s voice at the table.

Deputy Youth Mayor Isla Bridge, 18, enthusiastically commented: "The recent milestones of working closely and cohesively with the Southend Council Cabinet is a huge step for young people in Southend. It guarantees that our voices and opinions will be heard on a regular basis, which is an amazing step for Youth Voice."

Through the new Compact, Youth Council Officers will now take part in Executive Briefings, attend Cabinet‑linked meetings, update Full Council twice a year, and provide insight on youth‑related policies. Cabinet members, in turn, have committed to seeking young people’s views and working collaboratively on projects that matter to the city’s 11 to 18 year olds.

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, said: “I am incredibly proud of what our young people are achieving in Southend. Their energy, ambition and honesty make them some of the most inspiring voices in our community. The launch of the Youth Compact isn’t just a new process—it’s a commitment to young people that their ideas matter, their experiences count and their leadership belongs at the heart of our city’s decisions.

"We all want the best for Southend, and that means working alongside the young people who will inherit and shape its future. I’m excited for what we will build together.”

This strengthened partnership will ensure that Southend’s younger population is actively shaping decisions, influencing services, and helping build a city that reflects their ideas, priorities and ambitions.

Truly an exciting time for the ambitious young people of Southend.