More than 120 young people visited Lys Kernow on Friday (July 3) to share their views and ideas on the future of Cornwall.
They were taking part in the Council’s Changemakers Summit, which includes activities, workshops and presentations aimed at creating positive change for children and young people.
Feedback will help Cornwall Youth Council shape its plans and campaigns for the next two years, supported by Cornwall Council officers and members.
The youth council’s five campaign areas provided the focus for discussions:
Accessibility, disability and inclusion (SEND, young carers and sanitary items)
Increasing youth voice and support
Transport access and freedom to travel
Sports, leisure and safe activity spaces
Mental health support and wellbeing
These topics were chosen based on input from the 13,500 children and young people who voted in February’s youth council elections.
Attendees at Friday’s summit represented a variety of schools, youth voice groups and organisations from across Cornwall, from the likes of Carefree Cornwall to Redruth Youth Council.
The event comes after the Council formally adopted the United Nations Convention onf the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in December 2025.
Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families at Cornwall Council, said:
“Our ambition is to make Cornwall a caring place where children build a bright future. We can't achieve that by making assumptions. We only achieve it by listening to children and young people, learning from them and working alongside them. That's exactly what the Changemakers Summit was all about.
“What impressed me most was the quality of the conversations. Young people spoke thoughtfully about the issues that matter to them, challenged us, and came forward with practical ideas for change.
"The future of Cornwall isn't something that happens to today’s young people. It's something we build together."