Young people from our Changemakers Youth Voice group share their experiences of voting in new project 

June 10th, 2025

Young people from GYMN’s Changemakers Youth Voice group have shared their experiences of voting as part of a new Electoral Commission project.

Our Changemakers Youth Voice group is made up of disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 14 to 25 who want to get their voices heard while meeting people and developing new skills.

During sessions run by GMYN, the group takes part in youth-led campaigns and projects, advocating for inclusive services in the community, and sharing opinions with decision makers, including Manchester City Council. 

The latest project saw the group share their experiences of voting and what barriers they face. During a series of sessions, the group discussed how accessible they find voting and created banners and placards to creatively express their views.

The project was commissioned by the Electoral Commission, the independent body which oversees elections in the UK and works to promote public confidence in the democratic process.

One young person said of the sessions: “We have talked about democracy, the importance of voting, and how some disabled and neurodivergent young people don’t know how to vote or find it hard to register or access voting stations.”

Another said: “It’s been helpful. I need a little bit more practise [to register to vote] but I think I know how and I could ask my sister to help.”

 A third added: “It’s been good. I learnt how to [register to] vote online and I have enjoyed the placards so people can listen to our voice”

Members of the group expressed that they felt voting should be made more accessible for disabled people and that there should be more representation of disabled, neurodivergent and non-binary people in politics. 

Messages on the banners they have created read ‘make voting accessible’, ‘together our voices are louder’ and ‘make voting simple’.  Themes include hope and equality, with the group sharing that it is important to keep hope alive and push for change.

The Changemakers Youth Voice group meets every Thursday at GMYN’s base on Oldham Street, Manchester. 

For more information on the group and future projects contact the project coordinator Luke Wilson by sending an email to [email protected]

Related stories

Meet our new Chair of Trustees, Liam McDaid-Jones

Liam is excited to be joining #TeamGMYN, read more about his plans in his blog

Beeing Together – Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children can be part of GMYN with the launch of our new programme

This spring GMYN are launching a new programme for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children across Greater Manchester called Beeing Together.

GMYN is coming to Bolton for care-experienced young people!

We’re launching our first programme for care-experienced young people in Bolton this spring.

GMYN’s Heaton Park Fun Day

Back in July #TeamGMYN hosted a Fun Day at Heaton Park, inviting young people from across Manchester, Bolton, Salford, Oldham and Tameside to come together for a day of sport and activities.

Could your business help our care leavers with employment opportunities?

We are looking for businesses that can support the care leavers we're working with to boost their employment opportunities.

“I really believe in helping young people” Brad speaks about working at GMYN 

Brad tells us why he enjoys working for GMYN and what he's learnt supporting young people

Programme Coordinator Louis discusses working with care experienced sibling groups 

Sibling relationships are vital to cared-for young people, however these sibling groups are often overlooked when discussing care experience.

A day in the life of GMYN’s Income and Partnerships Lead

Phil gives a glimpse of the varied and rewarding work he does as GMYN's Income and Partnerships Lead

Learning new skills and having fun with Tameside care experience programme

The care experienced young people on this programme have taken part in art, cooking and some adventures too over the last few months.
1 2 3 7

Thank you to our funders

Copyright © 2025 Greater Manchester Youth Network. All rights reserved.

Developed by stomm

crossmenu