When the new National Youth Strategy launched last week, it marked a major moment for young people across England.
At the heart of it was Milly Marr, an MC6 student who has proudly helped shape the new strategy, working alongside seven youth ambassadors from across the country to make a positive impact for her generation.
Milly, who studies Environmental Science, English Language and Art at Middlesbrough College’s Sixth Form, was selected as a National Youth Collaborator and representative for Yorkshire and the Humber. A proud ambassador for the #iwill Movement, she balanced her studies with events and workshops, playing an active role in gathering the thoughts and experiences of thousands of young people.
Milly co-designed and helped deliver the ‘Deliver You’ campaign survey, which reached an impressive 14,000 young people. Their responses went on to directly inform the National Youth Strategy.
Milly said: “Working on the National Youth Strategy has been one of the best opportunities I’ve had, and it is certainly the achievement I’m most proud of.
“For the first time, young people have been placed at the front and centre of a national policy, so ensuring that as many young people as possible could have their say has been absolutely vital.”
Closer to home, Milly made sure Middlesbrough was part of the conversation, too. By speaking directly with local young people and hosting a democracy café at Middlesbrough College, she ensured that local voices helped influence a national policy that will shape opportunities for the next decade.
She added: “Speaking with young people in Middlesbrough and hosting a democracy café in college has ensured that local voices were able to directly influence the strategy and its outcomes, helping to inform the next decade of opportunity for young people across England.
“Through co-designing and co-facilitating every element of the Deliver You campaign with the consortium, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the challenges facing young people nationwide, as well as the positive impact that strong communities can have across the country.”
In recognition of her contribution, Milly was invited to a pre-launch celebration in London, where she met the Secretary of State, Deputy Chief Ministers and fellow young collaborators who helped bring the strategy to life.
Milly said: “We must continue to work alongside young people instead of just for them. We deserve to have a genuine say in the policies that shape our futures.
“I’m excited to see how the National Youth Strategy develops, and I hope we can continue working to ensure that policymakers are held accountable and that young people’s voices are consistently and actively platformed.”
We are incredibly proud of Milly and everything she has achieved. She is a fantastic ambassador for MC6 – and an inspiring example of how young people can create real, lasting change. Well done, Milly!
