Third Annual Stockport Youth Summit 2026

On Tuesday 10th February, the stunning Ballroom at Stockport Town Hall was filled with energy, ideas and ambition as we hosted the third annual Youth Summit, delivered in partnership between PIE, L!STEN and Stockport Council.

With over 200 young people, educators, community organisations and local leaders in attendance, the summit demonstrated the strength of youth voice across Stockport. From the moment schools began exploring the vibrant marketplace of local opportunities, it was clear this was more than just an event — it was a space for genuine collaboration, challenge and leadership.

Students joined us from across the borough, including Reddish Vale, Bramhall High, Cheadle Hulme High School, Harrytown, St Anne’s, Marple Hall, Stockport Grammar, St James, Aquinas, Laurus Cheadle, Stockport School, Kingsway, Hazel Grove, Stockport Academy, Inscape House, Stockport College, home educated young people and our L!STEN core group. The diversity of voices created powerful and honest discussions throughout the day.

The summit was opened by Evie Coley-Stott and Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, reinforcing the importance of youth voice in shaping local decisions. From there, the day was truly youth-led.

Youth-Led from Start to Finish

The L!STEN group set the tone with a creative “pass the parcel” data activity, prompting discussion around opportunity, inclusion and access. One young person reflected, “I enjoyed listening to other young people talk about their social lives,” while another shared, “I enjoyed listening to other people’s opinions.”

Across five workshops — Work Experience & Employment, Travel Safety, Welcoming & Inclusive Debate, Safe Spaces, and Youth Communications — consistent themes emerged.

Young people are ambitious and motivated. The barriers they face are structural — transport costs and safety concerns, unequal access to networks, confidence challenges, SEND accessibility gaps and limited awareness of opportunities.

Transport featured strongly, with young people highlighting safety at night, unreliable routes and affordability. Inclusion and SEND were also key, with a call for equal expectations alongside appropriate support.

Confidence and communication were recurring themes. As one young person said, “It was great to have opportunities to voice our opinions to adults.” Another added, “I loved knowing my voice is heard and people want to hear it.”

Perhaps most powerfully, one participant reflected, “It was so valuable to have the opportunity to make a change,” while another reminded us that “young people have power to make a difference.”

Teachers echoed this impact. One shared, “How important the presenters have made the young people feel has been so valuable — the students felt heard and valued.”

From Consultation to Co-Production

A defining message of the day was clear: young people want to co-produce solutions, not simply be consulted.

Through mapping exercises, flash interviews and panel discussions, they demonstrated insight, fairness and a strong understanding of what needs to change. As one young person summed up, “Knowing my voice will be heard” makes all the difference.

What Happens Next?

An integrated action plan is now being developed across employability pathways, transport safety, inclusion, communications and safe spaces. Full reports of the findings — including detailed workshop feedback and agreed next steps — will be published soon.

One thing is certain: when we remove systemic barriers and genuinely share power, Stockport’s young people don’t just participate — they thrive.