Cumberland Youth Matter

Cumberland Youth Matter is a project that gives young people a leading role in shaping the new Cumberland Youth Strategy.

The project brings together young people, youth workers, council staff, academics and partner organisations to better understand the experiences, needs and aspirations of young people across Cumberland.

The project focuses on:

• opportunities and aspirations
• health and wellbeing
• feeling safe
• belonging and inclusion
• places and spaces for young people
• voice and influence

Thank you for taking part

Thank you to everyone who completed the Cumberland Youth Matter survey.

A total of 1,447 young people aged 11 to 18, and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), shared their views on what matters most to them.

What happens next

The project is now moving into its next phase.

Survey responses will be analysed and further focus groups will take place. These sessions will help make sure young people's views are heard from across Cumberland, including groups and communities that may have been under-represented in the survey.

The findings will help shape the new Cumberland Youth Strategy and influence future opportunities, services and support for young people.

How young people are involved

The project uses a co-research and co-production approach. This means young people work alongside professionals to gather evidence, share experiences and help develop recommendations.

A Co-Research Collective of young people will work with their peers and local partners to ensure a wide range of views are represented, including the voices of young people who are often under-represented.

This approach helps make sure decisions are informed by the experiences and priorities of young people living in Cumberland.

Project partners

Cumberland Youth Matter is delivered in partnership with: