July & August 2026
While the summer months have provided Youth Assembly Members with a well-deserved opportunity to rest and recharge, there has still been plenty happening. Members have continued to come together, taking part in meetings and events to help shape our ongoing work and prepare for the months ahead.
Behind the scenes, we have been busy planning future activities, developing new opportunities for engagement, and working to ensure that young people’s voices continue to be heard and represented within the Assembly.
Read on to find out what we’ve been up over the summer and what’s coming up next for the Youth Assembly!
American Council of Young Political Leaders
On 2 July, we were delighted to host a delegation from the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) at Parliament Buildings for an afternoon of connection and conversation with Members of the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly. After a shared lunch, both groups took part in a roundtable discussion where ACYPL delegates heard first hand what life is like for young people growing up in Northern Ireland. We’re grateful for the brilliant exchange of perspectives throughout the day, thank you, ACYPL!
Youth Assembly Members pictured with ACYPL delegates, Parliament Buildings, 2 July 2026.
Speaker’s Charity of the Year
On 31 July, Youth Assembly Members joined Assembly staff to support the Speaker’s Charity of the Year, Macmillan Cancer Support. Members volunteered alongside staff at a charity collection at Tesco Knocknagoney, helping to raise awareness and funds for the vital work Macmillan does in supporting people living with cancer and their families. The event provided a great opportunity for Members to give back to the community while supporting an important cause.
Youth Assembly Members Tomila and Isaac pictured at Tesco Knocknagoney on 31 July 2026.
School Uniform (Trousers) Bill
Members met online in August to prepare to give evidence to the Ad Hoc Committee on the School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill. The Bill is being brought forward by the Committee for Education and aims to ensure that all pupils can choose to wear trousers as part of their school uniform. The Youth Assembly met with the Committee for Education in January to discuss this proposed legislation and share young people’s views and experiences of school uniform policies.
You can read our previous report and watch our evidence session here: https://niyouthassembly.org/assembly-committee-work/
Ahead of their evidence session with the Ad Hoc Committee on Tuesday 15 September, Youth Assembly Members reviewed the Bill and discussed the key points they wished to raise, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of young people are reflected in the Committee’s consideration of the legislation.
We’ll post a link to the live session on our socials nearer the time.
If you want to find out more about the Bill click here: Ad Hoc Committee on the School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill
Youth Assembly Members pictured at their online meeting, 11 August 2026.
Youth and Policing Partnership Forum
On 18 August, Youth Assembly Members attended a meeting of the Youth and Policing Partnership Forum (YAPPF) at the Policing Board NI. They were joined by PSNI staff, who provided an informative overview of the rules and rationale surrounding e-scooters and electric bikes, including their legal status and the pilot schemes currently operating in England. Forum attendees also completed a Department of Justice questionnaire before enjoying pizza together for lunch.
Youth Assembly Members Dáire and Saul attending the YAPPF meeting at the Northern Ireland Policing Board, 18 August 2026.
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Youth Assembly Members recently took part in an engaging online session with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, exploring the role of human rights in everyday life and public decision-making. Members had the opportunity to learn more about the Commission’s work, discuss issues affecting young people, and consider how a rights-based approach can help shape policy and services. The session encouraged thoughtful discussion and provided valuable insight into how young people’s voices can contribute to promoting and protecting human rights across Northern Ireland.
Youth Assembly Members attend online meeting with staff from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, 25 August 2026.
Youth and Policing Partnership Forum
The YMCA is recruiting young people to take part in its flagship leadership and democracy programme called “Youth in Government”.
For details and applications, visit this link: https://www.belfastymca.org/yig
A graphic with Youth Assembly purple background including the YMCA Belfast logo with “Youth in Government” to the right.
Coming Up
9 September: TEO Ending Violence Against Women and Girls report launch
15 September: Evidence to Ad Hoc Committee on the School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill
19 September: Youth Assembly 2nd Plenary
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