Vale Youth Speak Up

A user led self-advocacy children and young people’s group. The group tackles and highlights disability issues that young people face, such as discrimination, bullying and issues with parents.

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Who we are

Vale Youth Speak Up are a group of 36 young people aged between 11 - 25, working to highlight and tackle the issues of discrimination and bullying facing young people with disabilities. A major objective of the project is to empower and facilitate young people’s involvement in decision making processes. The group have used innovative methods to convey the message that people with disabilities can excel when they are listened to and given the right support.

Where we're based

Barry, Wales

When we started

July 2009

How we started

Our work

Vale Youth Speak Up have trained and advised the police, parents and youth services on how to interact with young disabled people, leading to an improved experience for those young people with learning disabilities.

To raise awareness over issues of discrimination and bullying towards disabled people and attract membership, Vale Youth have produced their own 'Rights Fighters' film, which has been received with enthusiastic praise by local councillors, Education Ministers and members of the local community. As well as their campaigning, the group represents a trusted peer network for disabled young people, where they feel safe to talk about their personal concerns.

Future plans

Vale Youth Speak Up hope to draw in more support for their cause, and keep on raising awareness among their community and the general public about the treatment of disabled young people.