St Helens

Youth Council

St Helens Youth Council (STHYC) is a group of young people aged 11–18 who are making real change in their community. We come together to share ideas, speak up on issues that matter and take action — whether that’s through campaigns, events, social media or working with decision-makers.

If it affects young people in St Helens… we’re talking about it.

Winners of the 2025 Treasure Chest Award at YKids Believe Awards

Winner of BYC Star Award for Campaign of the Year 2024 with “Feed the Need”

“We are all happy that youth voice is being heard more and more each day, and are glad to have such an amazing opportunity to share ideas and learn from each other.”

Member of Youth Parliament for St Helens

Deputy Member of Youth Parliament 2026 - 2028

Daniel is the Deputy Member of Youth Parliament (DMYP) for St Helens, passionate about raising awareness around crime and supporting young people affected by domestic abuse. He represents and amplifies the voices of young people, working alongside the MYP to ensure their experiences and concerns are heard at both a local and national level.

Daniel’s campaign focuses on educating young people about the early signs of domestic abuse and helping them understand where to access support. Drawing from his own experiences, he brings honesty and determination to his work, aiming to break stigma and encourage open conversations.

Through community action, awareness campaigns and outreach, Daniel is committed to creating safer environments for young people — showing that lived experience can be a powerful tool for change and support.

Follow her work on Instagram @danafm032011

Member of Youth Parliament 2026 - 2028

Lydia is the Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for St Helens, passionate about improving how young people are supported with their mental health and wellbeing. She represents the voices of young people locally and nationally, ensuring their experiences and challenges are heard where decisions are made.

Lydia is the creator of Here and Now — a youth-led campaign focused on providing practical, accessible coping mechanisms for young people. Her work centres around supporting people in the present moment, using tools such as music, movement and creative expression to help manage emotions and build resilience.

Through campaigns, content and open conversations, Lydia is working to make mental health support more relatable, visible and accessible — showing that young people don’t just need support, they can help shape what that support looks like.

Daniel Monaghan

Lydia Welling

Council roles

Young people leading the way.

Members take on elected roles to lead meetings, represent different communities and help shape the work of the Cabinet.

Chair

Libby

Helps lead meetings and keeps the Council moving forward.

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Vice Chair

Laila

Supports the Chair and helps members take part.

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Social Media

Anja

Helps share campaigns, opportunities and Council updates.

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Youth Stories

Riley & Lydia

Shares stories and updates direct from the Youth Council.

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LGBTQIA+ Representative

Lydia

Champions LGBTQIA+ young people’s voices and experiences.

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Women’s Representative

Libby

Represents issues affecting girls and young women.

Disability Representative

Yasmin

Promotes inclusion, accessibility and SEND representation.

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Young Carer Representative

Libby

Represents young people with caring responsibilities.

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Environmental Representative

Vacant

Leads discussion and action around the environment.

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Crime Representative

Tate & Daniel

Explores community safety and issues affecting young people.

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Mental Health

Vacant

Champions young people’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

Current campaigns

Turning ideas into action.

Every campaign begins with an issue raised by young people. Members then research, plan, consult and work with partners to create change.

Confidence that comes from within.

Beyond Beautiful challenges pressure around appearance and creates space for honest conversations about confidence, identity, mental health and self-esteem.

Young people shape activities, events and messages that celebrate individuality and help others feel more comfortable being themselves.

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Self-confidenceActivities encourage young people to recognise their strengths.
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Mental wellbeingThe campaign creates safer conversations about pressure and self-esteem.
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Youth-led creativityMembers develop events, resources and activities.
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Positive identityYoung people are encouraged to celebrate what makes them unique.

Education for the life young people are actually living.

Education4ourGeneration explores the knowledge and skills young people want before leaving school, from money and wellbeing to relationships, employment and independent living.

The campaign creates opportunities for young people to explain what is missing and what meaningful preparation for adulthood should include.

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Money and budgetingPractical financial skills for everyday life.
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WellbeingUnderstanding mental health and where to find support.
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Future skillsEmployment, communication and independent living.
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Young people consultedMembers make sure priorities come from lived experience.

Young people owning the conversation.

Speak Now allows members to research, plan, record and present podcast episodes on subjects that matter to them.

Topics include community safety, mental health, the environment, online life and conversations with professionals and decision-makers.

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Youth-led podcastingMembers develop topics and lead the interviews.
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Knife crime episodeThe first episode explored a serious issue affecting young people.
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Current issuesFuture episodes respond to what young people are discussing now.
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Media skillsYoung people build confidence in research, recording and presenting.

Listening now. Acting now.

Here and Now gives young people a platform to raise current concerns, share their experiences and identify the changes they want to see across St Helens.

The campaign uses listening activities, discussions and direct conversations with decision-makers to make sure young people are part of shaping local responses.

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Listening to young peopleCurrent issues are identified directly through youth voice.
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Local prioritiesThe campaign focuses on experiences within St Helens.
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Decision-makersYoung people take their ideas to the people able to create change.
Action from discussionConversations are developed into practical next steps.

Building hope for what comes next.

Wings of Tomorrow is currently in its research and development stage. Members are exploring how the campaign can be delivered sensitively while still creating meaningful impact.

Ideas being considered include workshops, a dedicated event, an online session, video resources and a presentation that can be shared with young people and partners.

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Research firstThe team is making sure the campaign is informed and handled with care.
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Supportive workshopsActivities are being explored with young people’s wellbeing in mind.
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Accessible resourcesVideo, presentation and online formats are being considered.
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Hope and resilienceThe campaign will focus on helping young people move forward positively.

Young people taking action on food poverty.

Feed the Need was developed by members who wanted to respond to the impact of food poverty on young people and families. The campaign combined awareness, consultation, practical support and a major youth-led event.

Members worked with schools, community partners and decision-makers to make sure young people’s experiences were part of the conversation.

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240 meals providedPractical support was delivered through the campaign’s activity.
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Town Hall eventSchools joined workshops, discussions and a panel Q&A.
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Young people leadingMembers planned, presented and spoke directly about the issue.
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Community partnershipsThe campaign brought organisations and young people together.