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South London Scouts Help Shape the Future at Landmark UK Youth Forum

Four young people from South London, supported by two adult volunteers, joined more than 500 others from across the UK at the University of Oxford to have their say on the future of the Scout Movement.

SLS at the UK Youth Forum Outside the Uni

The event, held in the historic setting of Oxford University, was one of the first of its kind in the UK, marking a significant moment for youth voice in Scouting. It forms part of a new national initiative to put young people front and centre in developing the future strategy and vision for the largest co-educational youth movement in the country.

The UK Youth Forum brought together Scouts and Explorer Scouts aged 10 to 18 from across the four nations, including representatives from Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester and Oxford, supported by adult volunteers. Each young person brought their own unique perspective to help shape a future of inclusive, impactful, and youth-led Scouting.

Amelia at the UK Youth Forum

It’s great to be here to give my opinion and shape the future of Scouts with other young people from across the UK.”

Amelia Heath, 17, Royal Greenwich

Workshops at the event explored key themes such as advocacy, equity, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, digital development, and safeguarding. Young people also considered what the world – and Scouts – might look like in 2035, and how the Movement can evolve to meet those changes.

Activity at the UK Youth Forum
Benedict at the UK Youth Forum

I really enjoyed helping shape the future of Scouting in the UK. I felt very proud to do so and made loads of connections along the way.”

Benedict Long, 16, Southwark

The forum provided space for young people to speak freely, generate new ideas, and work alongside others to make Scouting stronger, more inclusive, and ready for the next decade.

Dwayne Fields, the newly appointed Chief Scout, praised the forum and highlighted the importance of initiatives like this:

Dwayne Fields at UK Youth Forum

It’s important that the future plans of the Scouts are informed by young people.”

Dwayne Fields, Chief Scout

Speaking up about important topics that matter to young people at the UK Scouts Youth Forum in Oxford

Joseph Shippam, County Youth Lead for South London Scouts, reflected on the impact of the event:

It was incredible to see so many young people from across South London come together to speak up and speak change for the future of Scouts. It’s great being a volunteer and encouraging even the smallest ideas to make a big difference.”

Joseph Shippam, County Youth Lead, South London Scouts


 

Click here to find out more about Youth Shaped Scouting in South London


 

Hundreds of young people gathered at the University of Oxford to speak up about important topics concerning young people