Young Persons Advisory Group, National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) Cymru

NYAS Cymru’s Young Persons Advisory Group empowers care experienced young people across Wales to shape decisions that affect their lives. Supported by NYAS’s youth workers, the young people on the group have influenced policy discussions with Welsh Government, contributed to youth justice and care reform conversations, and challenged decision-makers on issues such as recognising care experience as a protected characteristic. 

The Group’s impact is both national and international. Their voices have been heard at high-profile events, including national hustings and international engagement in Geneva, where they explored human rights frameworks and strengthened their advocacy

The group has also led practical change—creating new youth spaces for unaccompanied young people seeking asylum, building partnerships with local services, and celebrating achievements through youth-led awards. 

Judges considered the Group had helped to drive awareness, challenge discrimination and contributed to a more equitable care system in Wales, a system in which the experiences of care experienced young people is seen, heard, and valued.