Youth Voice Library

Welcome to the Youth Voice Library.

This is a shared space that brings together the voices, experiences and messages of children and young people. Its main purpose is to ensure voices are not lost, and that their views are heard, valued and shape services and decisions. It is hoped thisContinue reading

Welcome to the Youth Voice Library.

Here you will find a growing collection of voices shared through different formats, including audio, written reflections and creative contributions.

The Youth Voices Library supports our wider commitment to children and young people’s rights, participation and The Promise. It helps us reflect on our practice and reminds us why listening, truly listening, is essential.

Thank you for taking the time to engage with the Youth Voices Library, and for playing your part in ensuring children and young people are not just listened to, but heard.

We invite you to tell us about specific project where you have heard from children and young people using the Youth Voice Library Contribution survey below.

If you'd like to get in touch then please email youthvoicelibrary@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

Aberdeenshire Youth Forum (AYF) - Priority Setting and Exploration

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Whose voice did we hear?
28 young people aged between 12-19 years from across Aberdeenshire gathered together on 29th March 2025
Why were we asking about this?
To identify and explore common issues and aspirations for young people, to support collaboration across youth groups and networks to address issues and to realise aspirations.
What did we hear?
Continue reading
Whose voice did we hear?
28 young people aged between 12-19 years from across Aberdeenshire gathered together on 29th March 2025
Why were we asking about this?
To identify and explore common issues and aspirations for young people, to support collaboration across youth groups and networks to address issues and to realise aspirations.
What did we hear?
The following 5 priorities for young people were identified to support collective action and shared focus moving forward.

Accessibility, disability inclusivity and representation

Education services; local capacity impacting opportunities (subjects and support)

Outdoor environment improvements and access – spaces for young people

Transport and walking routes – including ‘safe’ walking routes.

Rural enterprise and employment opportunities

What did we do with the voices we heard?
Young people signed up to take further action in different ways as AYF members which include subscribing to the free Aberdeenshire Youth Forum Bulletin on the Aberdeenshire Youth Forums Engage Page, signing up to AYF Thematic Groups that matter most to them to explore and progress common issues and aspirations identified on the day and signing up to the Aberdeenshire Youth Voice Promotion Group where young people support and lead on the AYF bulletin and communications.
Who to contact for more information
Roisin Daly, Senior Community Learning & Development Worker
roisin.daly@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Children & Young People's Services Plan 2026-29 Consultation

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Whose voice did we hear?
275 children and young people, 114 parents & carers and 137 members of the multi agency workforce across Aberdeenshire.
Why were we asking about this?
To inform the development of Aberdeenshire’s Children and Young People’s Services Plan 2026–29. It helped us understand what matters most to children, young people and families and to shape shared priorities and commitments to improve wellbeing outcomes.
What did we hear?
A very wide variety of responses regarding how well Aberdeenshire's past priorities have been met and what children, young people, their families and the workforce feel needs to beContinue reading
Whose voice did we hear?
275 children and young people, 114 parents & carers and 137 members of the multi agency workforce across Aberdeenshire.
Why were we asking about this?
To inform the development of Aberdeenshire’s Children and Young People’s Services Plan 2026–29. It helped us understand what matters most to children, young people and families and to shape shared priorities and commitments to improve wellbeing outcomes.
What did we hear?
A very wide variety of responses regarding how well Aberdeenshire's past priorities have been met and what children, young people, their families and the workforce feel needs to be focused on for 2026-2029.
What did we do with the voices we heard?
What we heard has directly influenced our decisions regarding the focus for 2026-2029. This can be seen in the published plan (LINK).
Who to contact for more information
Nicola Kenyon, Strategic Development Officer (GIRFEC)
nicola.kenyon@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Young People with Care Experience - Moving on from care 2025

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Whose voice did we hear?
25 young people from across Aberdeenshire with experience of care, who are either close to moving on to independence or who were already living independently.
Why were we asking about this?
To help inform a proposal for a service to support young people moving on from care.
What did we hear?
A variety of viewpoints regarding experiences of moving on and what needs to be done better to support our young people.
What did we do with the voices we heard?
The views of young people directly influenced the proposal for a new service calledContinue reading
Whose voice did we hear?
25 young people from across Aberdeenshire with experience of care, who are either close to moving on to independence or who were already living independently.
Why were we asking about this?
To help inform a proposal for a service to support young people moving on from care.
What did we hear?
A variety of viewpoints regarding experiences of moving on and what needs to be done better to support our young people.
What did we do with the voices we heard?
The views of young people directly influenced the proposal for a new service called "The Hame Project". All aspects of the project, including the name were shaped by what was heard.
Who to contact for more information
Michelle Podlesny, Service Development Officer (The Promise), michelle.podlesny@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Page published: 10 Apr 2026, 09:39 AM

Youth Voice Library

Aberdeenshire Youth Forum (AYF) - Priority Setting and Exploration

Children & Young People's Services Plan 2026-29 Consultation

Young People with Care Experience - Moving on from care 2025

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