About the Young Essex Assembly

The Young Essex Assembly, also known as the YEA, is the elected youth council for Essex.

Every two years, young people from across Essex are elected to become YEA members. From January 2027, there will be 78 YEA members, matching the number of Essex County Councillors

What does the YEA do?

The YEA is all about youth voice. That means making sure young people are involved in conversations, plans and decisions that matter to them.

The YEA is designed to mirror the structure and representation of Essex County Council, ensuring that young people’s voices are heard in a way that reflects the adult democratic system. Members represent their local areas and work collectively to influence decisions at a county, regional and national level.

YEA members:

• listen to young people in their local area
• talk about the issues that matter to young people
• take part in consultations and campaigns
• work with councillors, professionals and organisations
• help shape services, strategies and opportunities for young people
• represent Essex young people locally, county-wide and nationally

“The Young Essex Assembly doesn't just run programs; it creates a launchpad where young people are actively pushed to become the architects of the future” Current YEA and UKYP member

Why does the YEA matter?

The YEA helps make sure young people are not just spoken about, but are part of the conversation. Members get the chance to share what young people think, challenge decisions, ask questions and help shape change.

YEA members have been involved in work around education, careers, climate action, community safety, health, consultations and national youth voice campaigns. They have worked with Essex County Council services, local organisations and national groups to make sure Essex young people’s views are included.

8 YEA members are internally elected to the UK Youth Parliament, giving Essex young people a voice at a national level.

What could you do as a YEA member?

Being part of the YEA can look different for different people, but you might:

• speak up about issues affecting young people
• attend professional meetings and share your views
• help plan projects or campaigns
• meet decision-makers and subject matter experts
• take part in events and consultations
• work with Youth Advisory Boards and other youth voice groups
• support change in your local area
• represent Essex at regional and national opportunities

What can you gain from being part of the YEA?

The YEA is not just about representing others. It is also a chance to grow your own confidence, skills and experience.

YEA members can develop:

• confidence
• leadership skills
• communication skills
• teamwork
• public speaking
• decision-making skills
• experience working with professionals and organisations

You will also meet other young people from across Essex, learn new things and have opportunities that can help you in the future.

Meet the Staff Team

Quadrant YEA Local Link Workers:

MID - Carly.barratt@essex.gov.uk and Benjamin.Blackborow@essex.gov.uk 

SOUTH - claire.love@essex.gov.uk and danielle.brookes@essex.gov.uk

WEST - clare.nunn@essex.gov.uk and ella.alderton@essex.gov.uk 

NORTH - james.king@essex.gov.uk and charlotte.hewitt@essex.gov.uk