Politics shapes everything around us from what young people learn in school to the world they meet when they leave school. However, our Youth Board feel their engagement and participation in politics is not largely encouraged through the curriculum.

This year, there has been a large shift towards youth voice in all sectors, especially in politics. From the National Youth Strategy to reducing the voting age to 16, major strides have been taken to engage young people. My Life My Say is a charity leading this through democratic engagement.

In this episode, we are joined by Dan Lawes, the CO-CEO of My Life My Say. Dan’s a public affairs, campaign strategy and external relations specialist, passionate about building national campaigns that create positive social impact. Whilst Campaign Director and Head of Partnerships for the charity, he project managed the ‘Give An X’ Campaign, the UK’s largest youth voter registration push for the 2024 General Election.

In this powerful discussion, our Youth Board hosts, Samiya and Huda speak with Dan about:

• His journey from engaging his school mates in politics to his position as CO-CEO at My Life My Say.
• The importance of mentoring, work experience and volunteering when building political participation.
• How education can teaching politics in school can build political knowledge, confidence and skills.
• Responding to the recent far-right marches in London and across the UK.

The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests in this podcast are their own and do not reflect the Mayor's Fund for London.

Find out more about the Mayor’s Fund for London: https://www.mayorsfundforlondon.org.uk/

Find out more about The Intersect: https://www.mayorsfundforlondon.org.uk/youth-engagement/the-intersect/

Find out more about My Life My Say: https://www.mylifemysay.org.uk/

For anyone looking for support the ongoing increase of Islamophobia and racism in the city we have put together a range of guidance: the ongoing increase of Islamophobia and racism in the city: https://www.mayorsfundforlondon.org.uk/we-stand-with-communities/

Edited by Courtney Brown.

It’s London Climate Action Week! A moment for climate experts, businesses, communities, and, importantly, young people to come together and address the climate emergency, showcasing the need for collective engagement to take care of the environment.

This #LCAW2025, our Youth Board Hosts, Sahra and Phool are joined by Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy. Mete leads the Mayor’s climate action plan for London, ensuring the green transition is inclusive for all Londoners. Prior to this, Mete delivered a £61 million Green New Deal to tackle climate crisis and pioneered Hackney’s Community Energy Fund. Youth Engagement is also central to Mete’s work, as he founded the youth-led charity My Life My Say to make politics more accessible to young people.

In this powerful discussion we explored why youth voice must be at the forefront of climate conversations and how young people can actively contribute to meaningful change. We also covered the need to break down barriers and make sure young people see a place for themselves in the sustainability sector.

The views and opinions expressed by the guests in this podcast are their own and do not reflect the Mayor's Fund for London.

Find out more about the Mayor’s Fund for London: https://www.mayorsfundforlondon.org.uk/

Find out more about The Intersect: https://www.mayorsfundforlondon.org.uk/youth-engagement/the-intersect/

Find out more about London climate action week: https://www.londonclimateactionweek.org/

Find out more about starting a career in the green sector:

Explore green careers | National Careers Service

What is a green job? Everything you need to know – The Education Hub

Violence in London affects young people in so many ways. From the physical impact to the anxiety they experience walking down the street. Young Londoners are taught a range of subjects but if they feel scared on their journey to school, how can they show up ready to learn?

In season 2 of our youth-led podcast, The Intersect, we are exploring “What School Didn’t Teach Us”.

It’s the last episode of our current run and to round out the season our Youth Board host, Ya’Eesh is joined by Jerome Harvey-Agyei, who works with young Londoners through the London Violence Reduction Unit to prevent violence by amplifying their voices. He is also the co-founder of the Tope Project C.I.C which supports Care Leavers to have meaningful spaces to feel connected.

They have a powerful conversation about the need for more spaces in school where young people can talk about their fears, the power of a collective voice to make changes in the community and useful tips for staying safe on London’s streets.

The views and opinions expressed by the guests in this podcast are their own and do not reflect the Mayor's Fund for London.

Edited by Courtney Brown.

Find out more about the Mayor’s Fund for London: https://www.mayorsfundforlondon.org.uk/

Find out more about The Intersect: https://www.mayorsfundforlondon.org.uk/youth-engagement/the-intersect/

Find out more about the London Violence Reduction Unit: https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/communities-and-social-justice/londons-violence-reduction-unit-vru