HY5! members proudly represented Wolverhampton on the national stage at the Youth Voice Matters Conference 2026. They teamed up with other young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to explore what it means to be active citizens, meet important decision‑makers, and share big ideas for positive change. Speaking up for their peers, they showed how powerful youth voices can be and helped shape a more inclusive future for everyone.
They also had the chance to meet Georgia Gould OBE MP, Minister of State for School Standards. She was keen to hear directly from young people about how SEND support can be improved and how school buildings could be made more accessible, welcoming and easier to navigate.
Harman Kambo, Vice Chair of HY5!, said:
“It was good we got a meeting with a minister from the Houses of Parliament. I liked the workshops, and also meeting with new people and youth organisations.”
Want to learn more about HY5! or find out how young people and families can get involved?
Visit the Wolverhampton SEND Local Offer.
Over the past year, HY5! has teamed up closely with Wolverhampton’s SEND & Inclusion Partnership Board to make sure young people’s voices are heard loud and clear. By sharing real experiences and challenging leaders to do better, they’ve helped shape important decisions across the city.
According to the award nomination, HY5! has made a huge difference to local services recently — from improving the Local Offer and helping shape Wolverhampton’s Early Help approach, to influencing post‑16 options and creating new resources for families. They even delivered their “Inspiring Change” training to more than 60 professionals across education, health and social care!
And they’re not stopping there. HY5! continues to champion youth voice everywhere — in schools, across the region, and nationally. They’ve helped co‑create the national Youth Voice Manifesto and contributed to important Government consultations.
The big awards ceremony will take place on 23 April 2026 at the University of Birmingham. Fingers crossed for HY5!
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People in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to have their say in a national Government consultation on changes to the Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) system.
The consultation sets out plans to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND from birth to age 25, with a focus on earlier help, fairer access to support, and shared accountability between local partners.
The Government is seeking views from children and young people, parents and carers, teachers, school leaders, multi‑academy trusts, and professionals working across education, health and social care.
To have your say, please visit SEND reform: putting children and young people first.
The consultation closes on 18th May 2026.
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I Awards was amazing! It was attended by hundreds of our young people with their supportive staff or foster parents to celebrate all of their achievements!!
With music banging, banging food and non-stop entertainment we all had a blast including key figures such as our Mayor, Senior Councillors from all across the city and hosted by our Director of Families Alison Hinds as well as SophieLou!
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Young people from both our Children In Care Council and our Care Leavers Independence Collective came together on a Saturday to interview all the candidates for the Corporate Parenting Officer role here at City of Wolverhampton Council!
After all the scoring we managed to appoint somebody who we think is best for the job! Say hello to our new permanent Corporate Parenting Officer - Casey!
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 Are you or do you know a young person aged 11-17who is
passionate about changing the care experience?
Are you or do you know a young person aged 11-17 who
would like to meet other young people with similar
experiences?
Are you or do you know a young person aged 11-17 who is
eager to get involved and make a difference?
If so, the Children in Care Council is the place for
you! Contact CorporateParenting@wolverhampton.gov.uk for more information
and share with your young people or complete the form:
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The Care Leaver Independent Collective (CLIC) are a group of care experienced Young People who help to shape the care system for future Children and Young People.
CLIC are involved in making policy changes for children and young people in care and care leavers, delivering training, and getting the voices of Young People heard.
Are you a Care Leaver and interested in joining?
Contact Andrew Scragg (Participation Officer):
Phone: 07469410505
Email: CorporateParenting@wolverhampton.gov.uk
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 Are you a child in care and want to get involved in some fun activities in and around Wolverhampton?
Please check the links below:
Enrichment | Wolverhampton Virtual School
Events | Wolverhampton Virtual School
Are you a young person aged between 13 – 17 who is in care and has been for 12months+, If so, have you heard of stepping forward?
Stepping Forward: Performing Arts for Life
Stepping Forward is a free, self-paced online programme that young people can complete in their own time, using creativity and the performing arts to build confidence and life skills - while also earning £200 into their savings upon completion.
For more information and to sign up please contact the Virtual School:
VirtualSchool@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Youth Council & Youth MP Declaration Event - 15th April 2026
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SameDifference Festival 2026 - Please save the date for the 2026 festival taking place in West Park on Saturday 1 August 2026. Please keep up with all the latest information on the CEP and next year's festival by going to this link: Find out more – Wolverhampton CEP |
This year, Wolverhampton Pride will take
place on Saturday 2nd June 2026 at West Park in Wolverhampton, and gates open at 2pm.
We want to encourage as many people as possible to attend, and if you are with any young people who would be interested in attending who are in care, and/or want to attend with their foster families, then please send an email to corporateparenting@wolverhampton.gov.uk where we will help support you to claim some free tickets!
Any young people aged 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are on a first come first served basis!
For more information on this years Wolverhampton Pride, including FAQs and the entertainment line-up please visit: Wolverhampton Pride 2026
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