TWO young people’s groups are to celebrate ten years of influencing decision-makers and giving young people a voice.

The Young People’s Council (YPC) is made up of those who have experience of care, while Flying High provides a platform for young adults with disabilities or additional needs.

The groups, which are supported by North Yorkshire County Council and have access to decision-makers at the council, will be celebrating their anniversary in Harrogate on Saturday.

Current and former members will come together at the Pavilions of Harrogate on Saturday (July 21) to celebrate their tenth anniversaries with a party, following group meetings.

Flying High has grown from four founder members to 12 young people aged 16 to 25 from across the county.

They have worked on issues such as improving accessibility for wheelchair users at East Barnby Outdoor Centre, improving leisure activities for young people with disabilities at Selby Leisure Centre and improving youth group activities for young people with disabilities at The Street in Scarborough.

The group is currently working on improving the way bus companies interact with people with hidden disabilities, ensuring mental health services are accessible for people with disabilities and improving the number of young people with disabilities who get into paid work.

Ed Graham has been involved with Flying High for five years and is now its chair. He said: “Flying High has really changed us all. I think my confidence has come a long way since I started Flying High. When I started, I would never talk. I think I have finally found my own voice.”

The Young People’s Council (YPC) runs consultation days, known as C-Days, across the county to bring young people together to share views and enjoy activities.

Members present at fostering conferences and twice a year update the county council’s looked-after children members’ group.

They have met the Children’s Commissioner and Children’s Minister and have been consulted on mental health by York University and on social worker training by the Department for Education.

Amy Harlow, chair of the YPC, said: "I am now able to stand up in front of large group of people and speak and give a presentation.

"Thanks to county council members of staff for helping me do this. I have definitely made friends for life within this group.”

County Councillor Janet Sanderson, executive member for Children’s Services, said: “Both of these groups are about giving a voice to young people with particular needs or experiences and they do a commendable job.

"By giving their time and energy, they find out what is going well and, more importantly, what needs to change.”

Both YPC and Flying High are represented on North Yorkshire’s Youth Voice Executive, a body formed by the county council last year to bring together young people’s groups from across the county to share ideas.

Any young person wanting to find out more about either group can email; vip@northyorks.gov.uk.