Folkestone & Hythe District Council launches expanded youth forum with local school partnerships

Folkestone & Hythe District Council is forming a new cohort of its youth forum for 13-19 year olds, with contributions from four local educational institutions.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has announced the formation of a new youth forum group, thanking four local schools and colleges for their contributions to the initiative. The Beacon Folkestone, Brockhill Park Performing Arts College, EKC Folkestone College, and The Harvey Grammar School have all been recognised for supporting the council’s efforts to engage young people in local democracy.

The district’s youth forum represents a formal channel for teenagers to influence council decisions on issues affecting their communities. According to council documents, the forum is designed for young people aged 13-19 and meets twice per academic year at the Civic Centre.

Building on Previous Success

The latest cohort follows a December 2025 meeting that brought together students from six educational institutions across the district. That gathering included representatives from The Beacon, Brockhill Park, EKC Folkestone Junior College, Folkestone School for Girls, The Harvey Grammar School and The Marsh Academy.

Young participants have already begun discussing local priorities. Their agenda has covered practical issues like the Lower Leas Coastal Park play area refurbishment alongside broader topics including solar farms and social media’s impact on their generation.

The forum received formal approval from councillors on 19 February, following recommendations from the overview and scrutiny committee. But the initiative has deeper roots – it was originally proposed two years earlier, according to council records.

Council’s Democratic Vision

Cabinet Member for Community and Collaboration Cllr Mike Blakemore has championed the forum as a way to enhance youth involvement in local democracy. The council argues that engaging teenagers now helps them understand how local government works and encourages lifelong civic participation.

Cllr Laura Davison, who chairs the overview and scrutiny committee, has emphasised how the forum allows young people to share their priorities directly with decision-makers. The council sees this as informing their approach to services that affect younger residents.

Council chair Cllr Anita Jones has highlighted additional benefits, noting that forum members are encouraged to apply for work experience opportunities within the authority. This practical element aims to give participants hands-on insight into local government operations.

Youth Demand for Participation

The council’s decision to expand the forum reflects genuine demand from local young people. During consultation on the corporate plan, teenagers surveyed expressed strong interest in having their voices heard on council matters.

This enthusiasm appears to validate the council’s approach. Rather than imposing adult assumptions about youth engagement, the authority responded to direct feedback from their target demographic.

Schools and colleges across the district are being contacted to identify potential participants. The recruitment process remains ongoing, with educational institutions invited to nominate students who show interest in local issues.

Addressing Practical Concerns

The twice-yearly meeting schedule aims to balance meaningful engagement with students’ academic commitments. Sessions are timed to fit around the school calendar, recognising that participants must juggle forum involvement with coursework and examinations.

The Civic Centre venue provides a formal setting that mirrors adult council meetings. This choice reflects the authority’s intention to treat young participants as genuine interested parties rather than token consultees.

Topics discussed so far suggest the forum tackles both immediate local concerns and longer-term strategic issues. The Lower Leas play area represents the kind of infrastructure that directly affects young families, while solar farm discussions engage with environmental policy that will shape participants’ futures.

Next Steps and Expansion

Council documents indicate the next forum meeting was scheduled for March 2026, maintaining the twice-yearly rhythm established in the programme’s early stages. The authority continues reaching out to youth groups beyond traditional educational settings.

The initiative represents a measured approach to youth engagement. Rather than one-off consultations, the regular meeting schedule suggests the council is committed to sustained dialogue with younger residents.

No significant opposition to the forum has emerged in council discussions. The initiative appears to enjoy cross-party support, with backing from both the ruling administration and scrutiny committee members.

Key Takeaways

• Four local schools and colleges are contributing to Folkestone & Hythe’s expanded youth forum for 13-19 year olds
• The forum meets twice yearly to discuss local priorities including park improvements, solar farms and social media issues
• Young people surveyed during council consultation expressed strong interest in participating in local democracy

What This Means for Folkestone & Hythe Residents

Parents and teenagers across the district now have a direct route to influence council decisions through the youth forum. Schools and colleges are actively being contacted to recruit participants, so interested young people should speak to their teachers about nomination opportunities. The forum offers practical benefits beyond democratic participation, with members encouraged to apply for council work experience that could shape future career paths.