Young People’s Services

Young People’s Services (YPS) is a borough wide service that provides quality and intensive Targeted Youth Support to young people aged between 8 – 19 years that are referred in via Schools, Police, Children’s Social Care and various Local Authority and Voluntary Community Faith Sector partners.

The service also delivers universal Blackburn with Darwen Youth Forums and targeted participation voice groups which include "Children in our care" forums. We offer bespoke activity packages to schools and youth organisations along with the delivery of DofE and NCS programmes.

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Blackburn with Darwen Youth MP Takes Local Voices to the House of Commons

On Thursday 6th November 2025, Blackburn with Darwen’s Youth Member of Parliament, Zainab Shah, proudly represented the voices of local children and young people at the annual UK Youth Parliament debate in the House of Commons. Hosted in the historic chamber where MPs usually meet, the event brought together hundreds of Youth MPs from across the UK to debate key issues affecting young people today. This year’s agenda included powerful discussions on health and wellbeing, crime and safety, employment opportunities, sustainability, and access to housing.

Zainab joined her peers in delivering passionate speeches and listening to debates that will help shape the national youth voice campaign for 2026. Her participation ensured that the perspectives and priorities of young people from Blackburn with Darwen were heard at the very heart of democracy.

Speaking after the event, Zainab said:

“It was an honour to represent young people from Blackburn with Darwen in Parliament. We all deserve a fair chance to live healthy, safe, and sustainable lives — and it’s important our generation has a say in shaping the future.”

The UK Youth Parliament, supported by the National Youth Agency, empowers young people aged 11–18 to use their voice to bring about social change. The debates, chaired by the Speaker of the House of Commons, are also broadcast live on Parliament TV, giving the public a chance to witness young people engaging directly with democracy.

Blackburn with Darwen Young People’s Services continue to support youth voice and participation through the BwD Youth Forum, Children in Care VOICE Council, and SEND Youth Forum, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to be heard and to influence local and national decision-making.

#BwDYouthVoice #UKYP #BuildingBrighterFutures #YPS #YouthWorkWeek25