Local Voice & Youth-Shaped Scouting
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Local Voice is South London Scouts’ main youth voice and civic engagement programme, bringing young people together with local decision-makers.
At the centre of Local Voice are our South London Ambassadors and Young Spokespeople (SLAYS) — young people who are trained to represent youth voice and Scouting positively across the County.
What is Local Voice?
Local Voice Day is the main event where young people put youth voice into action.
On the day, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Networkers from across South London will:
- meet and engage directly with local councillors from
Bexley, Bromley, Lewisham and the Royal Borough of Greenwich; - share what matters to young people in their local area;
- learn how local decisions are made and how councillors represent their communities;
- build confidence in speaking up and representing others; and
- take part in interactive Scout activities alongside councillors, showing what Scouting looks like in practice.
Local Voice is about real conversations, meaningful engagement, and ensuring young people’s voices are heard and respected by those who make decisions locally.
What is SLAYS?
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SLAYS (South London Ambassadors and Young Spokespeople) are young people who step forward to represent youth voice across South London.
SLAYS members:
- act as ambassadors for Scouting at County and local events;
- represent young people’s perspectives clearly and confidently;
- engage with councillors, partners, and the media; and
- help shape the future of youth-shaped Scouting across South London.
SLAYS is not a separate programme from Local Voice — it is the role and responsibility young people grow into through training and experience.
The Training Pathway (Required Attendance)
To take part in Local Voice and become a SLAYS member, young people must attend BOTH of the following events.
SLAYS Training Day (Required)
This training weekend prepares young people for their role as ambassadors and spokespeople. During the weekend, participants will:
- build confidence in communication and public speaking;
- develop media and interview skills;
- learn how to engage constructively with councillors and decision-makers; and
- explore what it means to represent others responsibly.
Young people who complete the training become South London Ambassadors and Young Spokespeople (SLAYS).
📅 Saturday 28 February 9:00am – 6:30pm
📍 Avery Hill
Local Voice Day (Required)
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Following the training weekend, SLAYS members will take part in Local Voice Day, where they will:
- engage directly with councillors from Bexley, Bromley, Lewisham and Royal Greenwich;
- take part in facilitated discussions on local issues; and
- represent Scouting and youth voice as South London Ambassadors.
📅 Sunday 22 March - 9:30am - 4:30pm
📍 Frylands Wood
👉 Attendance at both the SLAYS Training Weekend and Local Voice Day is essential.
Why Get Involved?
Taking part in Local Voice and SLAYS helps young people to:
- develop confidence, leadership and communication skills;
- gain experience in media and public engagement;
- influence decisions and conversations that affect young people locally;
- meet other passionate young people from across South London; and
- gain skills and experiences that support awards, CVs and future opportunities.
Who Can Take Part?
Local Voice and SLAYS are open to:
- Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Networkers
- Aged 10–24
- From across South London
No previous experience is needed — just a willingness to commit to both events, get involved, and represent others respectfully.
How to Get Involved
Young people must sign up to attend both:
- the SLAYS Training Day 28th Avery Hill), and
- Local Voice Day (22 March, Frylands Wood).
👉 Sign up here:
https://form.jotform.com/SLS_Forms/local-voice-2026-signup
Places are limited, and commitment to the full programme is essential.