The Southend Youth Voice Team are pleased to share the Southend Youth Voice Annual Report, which highlights the achievements, activities, and impact of the Southend Youth Voice team over the past year. It showcases the progress made in strengthening youth voice across the city and the positive difference achieved through collaboration with young people and our partners in response to Make Your Mark 2024.

They would also like to share the results of the Make Your Mark 2026 ballot. This year, 10,478 young people took part, with responses received from all secondary schools, colleges, alternative education providers, and SEN schools across Southend, ensuring a broad and representative response. The full Make Your Mark 2026 report can be accessed here.

The top priorities identified by young people were:

• Money, Housing, Jobs & Cost of Living – 1,959 votes (18.9%)
• Tackling Discrimination, Hate & Being Treated Unfairly – 1,938 votes (18.7%)
• Feeling Safe: Crime, Policing & Harm – 1,798 votes (17.4%)
• Mental Health, Wellbeing & Substance Use – 1,736 votes (16.8%)

These priorities will shape their campaigns and work over the coming year, ensuring that young people’s voices remain at the heart of local decision-making.

Thank you to everyone who has supported their work and helped make a difference in the lives of young people across Southend. The achievements highlighted in the report and the success of Make Your Mark would not have been possible without the commitment and collaboration of their partners, schools, colleges, community organisations, and most importantly their young people!

You can download the report here.