Your Voice Survey 2024

The survey was developed by the Kensington and Chelsea Youth Council to inform its future direction, plans, and projects ahead of the Youth Elections in April 2025, as well as to guide future Council policy-making and commissioning.

Young people in Kensington and Chelsea prioritise educational support, mental health awareness, employment opportunities, access to sports, and community involvement. There is a strong need for better promotion of services, more inclusive programs, and targeted efforts to reduce barriers in education, sports, and mental health support.

Key insights from the survey included:

1. Education

• Personal tutoring and revision sessions were highly valued.
• Over half found PSHE lessons useful, but a quarter did not.
• Many felt prepared for exams and employment, though some were unsure.
• Top requested life skills: financial education, first aid, cooking, public speaking.
• Young people most wanted paid work placements, job shadowing, and apprenticeships.

2. Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Most knew where to seek help, though a significant number did not.
• Friends and family were the main sources of support, followed by school counsellors.
• Youth wanted services promoted both in-person and through youth talks.
• Over half were interested in training to support peers with mental health struggles.

3. Sports and Recreation

• While more than half had access to facilities, barriers included cost, travel, and lack of time.
• Westway Sports Centre, youth clubs, and Kensington Leisure Centre were popular venues.

4. Environment and Air Pollution

• Main concerns included air pollution, litter, and water pollution.

5. Community Engagement and Youth Services

• Just over half felt involved in their community, mainly through youth clubs and after-school activities.
• There was a strong demand for more youth spaces and clearer event updates.
• While many accessed Council services, many others didn’t know what was available.

6. Digital Inclusion

• Over half felt digitally prepared for school and work, but some struggled to access job opportunities and specialist software.
• Most had reliable internet access, though some experienced issues.

7. Promotion and Awareness

• Young people felt the best ways to promote services were through social media and schools.
• There was interest in more social events, homework clubs, and talent showcases in community spaces.

While full implementation of the survey findings is still underway due to internal procedures, the results directly informed the Youth Elections and the campaign themes for the 2025 elections. The issues raised shaped the priorities of candidates and guided the Youth Council’s agenda for the coming year.