A teenager has urged decision-makers to let young people have a proper say in policy decisions that affect them.

Anais Harvey, 16, from Eastleigh, was a panellist at an event hosted by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) during the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham.

The event took place on September 30 and featured discussions on how the Conservative Party can better meet the needs of young people and re-engage them as voters.

Anais, a DofE UK Youth Ambassador, was one of five such ambassadors at the conference, and at the event, she called for a clear process ensuring youth perspectives are included in all levels of policy-making.

DofE Youth Ambassadors Jake and Anais alongside External Affairs Director at the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) Emma Revell at DofE panel eventDofE Youth Ambassadors Jake and Anais alongside External Affairs Director at the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) Emma Revell at DofE panel event (Image: Supplied) While in Birmingham, Anais and her fellow ambassadors met MPs Joe Robertson and Jack Rankin to discuss the importance of giving young people meaningful opportunities to inform policies that impact them.

Anais said her experience volunteering at a Wellbeing Café, through her DofE Award, taught her the importance of listening and understanding the concerns of people of different ages.

She aimed to bring this understanding to the discussion, representing young people broadly as well as sharing her personal opinions.

The DofE Youth Ambassadors also attended an event with former Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, and Harriet Cross MP, where the impact of the DofE on young people's confidence and public speaking was highlighted.

Speakers at DofE panel event at Conservative Party Conference 2024Speakers at DofE panel event at Conservative Party Conference 2024 (Image: Supplied) Ms Harvey said: "Politicians can learn a lot from young people but too often, our voices go unheard by the people making decisions that will impact our lives – I hope our attendance at party conference events will help to change that. 

"I was super excited when I was selected to represent DofE at the conference, but also a little bit nervous, but as a DofE UK Youth Ambassador, my aim was to take every opportunity that came my way! 

"Being home educated has meant that I have really been nurtured to have my own views and opinions, and so I was really pleased when I was asked to be on the DofE discussion panel."