On the eve of the Government Autumn fiscal statement, students from across 24 schools in Bradford gathered at the second annual Bradford Citizens summit to debate and vote on the high priorities where they would like to influence change across the City.
Led by Citizens UK and a collaboration of five Multi-Academy Trust (Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, Dixons Academies Trust, Carlton Academies Trust, Beckfoot Trust and Exceed) the online summit saw students between the age of 8 and 18 come together to consider the areas where they wanted to see change as the future citizens of our city. A long list of topics including areas like climate, environment, traffic, LGBQT+ and anti-social behaviours, were whittled down to identify three key areas of focus as voted on by students from our schools.
The key themes for 2022-23 identified as a focus for future activity were: tackling racism, helping communities navigate the cost of living crisis and supporting the mental and physical health of young people.
The next stage in the exciting project will see students meeting together again to discuss how they want to influence change by talking to local leaders from across the City, local authority and region. This event is the second annual event which sees student voice being put at the centre of future policy making and change. Led by students for students it brings a diverse and vibrant set of students and future citizens together to show how authentic student voice can influence and make real change.