Get involved
Hackney Youth Parliament
Hackney Youth Parliament represents the views of young people in the borough. They aim to advocate on behalf of all their peers and contribute to positive change for all young people. They run campaigns about important issues, and hold regular events and consultations.
Hackney Youth Parliament (HYP) have worked on campaigns to improve the lives of young people and the services they receive. This work tackles inequalities young people face, and focuses on issues such as mental health, work and policing policies.
HYP have increased awareness of positive opportunities available to their peers through organising fun events and activities, and operate the Youth Opportunity Fund so youth projects in the borough can apply for funding to improve the lives of young people.
If you want to take part you can join the elected members in the regular weekly forum meetings and become a changemaker!
There are six elected leaders and four deputy leaders for 2025 – 2027.
Elected leaders:
ANGEL
Angel is campaigning for greater representation of youth voices at the council-level, more youth safe spaces, mental health services and more accessible sports for everyone.
Check out Angel’s manifesto here.
HEELA
Heela wants to create a platform for Hackney’s youth to influence change in their schools, the council, and their own communities.
Check out Heela’s manifesto here.
JAMES
James wants more mental health support in schools and the wider borough.
Check out James’ manifesto here.
JENNIFER
Jennifer wants to improve the educational resources available to young people on politics and create safer, more comfortable study spaces in libraries.
Check out Jennifer’s manifesto here.
TIMI
Timi is focused on educating other young people on youth justice.
Check out Timi’s manifesto here.
ZOE
Zoe wants to improve young people’s access to opportunities around the borough.
Check out Zoe’s manifesto here.
BELLA
Bella wants to get more young people involved in politics and wants to challenge misogyny in schools.
Check out Bella’s manifesto here.
JAMELIA
Jamelia’s campaign is centred around mental health & safety and crime prevention.
Check out Jamelia’s manifesto here.
NOAH
Noah is advocating for disability rights and those who suffer from anxiety-based school avoidance.
Check out Noah’s manifesto here.
RAE
Rae aims to improve the mental health resources available for young people across the borough.
Check out Rae’s manifesto here.
Are you interested in politics? Do you want to make real change in your community?
You will be given a budget to work with and you will help decide how the services for young people are delivered in the borough.
As government and local authorities figure out how we move forward, the views of young people are incredibly important to this process.
The voices of young people MATTER!
As a member of Hackney Youth Parliament you will learn what it means to participate in a democratic system, to advocate for your communities and be a part of creating positive change.
“I joined HYP because I wanted to make changes to my local area and in those two years I did things more valuable by making new friends, learning new skills, travelling, cooking, and living with people I had the pleasure of seeing mature and grow into amazing people. I will never forget my time with HYP because it was a vital step in finding out who I was and want to be. Peter is also an amazing role model and leader – he’s honestly the best!”
Thierry Shillingford-Brown, HYP Leader 2021-23
What skills can I develop whilst being part of Hackney Youth Parliament?
- Critical thinking skills
- Communication skills
- Public speaking skills
- Greater knowledge of politics and current affairs
- Debating skills
- Leadership skills
- Negotiation skills
“My two years with Hackney Youth Parliament was not only incredibly fun but it also let me make positive changes across our community and allowed me to meet like-minded individuals and make lifelong friends. As a team we were able to participate in projects like developing our streets and living spaces whilst also having fun trips to beaches and residentials. When you join Hackney Youth Parliament, you don’t just join a social action group – you join a group of friends and family!”
Sudenaz Top, Hackney Young Speaker and HYP Leader 2021- 2023
What should I do next?
If you are passionate about impacting your community,
and the team will get back to you as soon as possible!
Elections for Hackney Youth Parliament take place every two years – anyone aged 14-19 can stand as a candidate.
If you have any questions or would like to organise a visit email hyp@hackney.gov.uk or by calling 020 8356 2200 (10am – 5pm).