In April 2024, Wakefield Museums & Castles launched our Youth Forum so we could learn from the experiences and opinions of young people and make our museums and castles more engaging and accessible.
What is the Youth Forum?
Our Youth Forum is a group of ten 16- to 25-year-olds who
are interested in museums, heritage and culture.
Each month, the group meets to explore a different topic or
area of the museum service. Through discussions and creative activities, they
offer ideas, feedback and new perspectives.
A member of museum staff attends each session. They provide
their expertise and insight, but also listen to and learn from our young
people.
 |
| Taking part in creative group activities at a Youth Forum session |
Who are the members?
Our Youth Forum members all live in the Wakefield District
but they have a diverse range of interests and backgrounds. Some of our young
people are refugees and asylum seekers. Some of them have lived in Wakefield
all their lives. Some of our young people study at college and some of them
have jobs. Some of our young people are disabled or neurodiverse. All of them
have a huge amount to offer.
 |
| The Youth Forum at Pontefract Castle |
How can I join the Youth Forum?
We are currently looking for new members to join the Youth
Forum in September 2025. If you would like to join us or find out more, please
email museums@wakefield.gov.uk
and we will get back to you with details of how to apply. The deadline for
Expressions of Interest will be 9am on Monday 8 September 2025.
The first session will be Saturday 20 September.
Why should I join the Youth Forum?
- To
have your say – Influence how local museums and castles connect with young
people like you
- To build
your skills – Develop confidence, communication, leadership, and project
experience
- To get
insider access – Go behind the scenes at historic sites and museum stores
to see how they work
- To strengthen
Your CV – Gain experience that looks great on job, uni, and apprenticeship
applications
- To shape
creative projects – Contribute ideas for exhibitions, events, and digital
content
- To expand
Your network – Meet and collaborate with other ambitious and creative
young people and make new friends
- To
make an impact – Help make heritage spaces more inclusive, accessible, and
appealing to other people your age
- For
exclusive opportunities – Take part in workshops, training, and trips you
won’t find anywhere else
As a thank you for their time and expertise, our Youth Forum
members receive Love2Shop vouchers to spend on the High Street and in
supermarkets. Refreshments are provided at sessions, and we can cover
reasonable travel expenses.
 |
| Sharing ideas at a Youth Forum session |
What do our young people say?
Don’t just take it from us! Here’s what our members had to
say about being part of the Youth Forum:
"Giving ideas while learning and having fun? Yes… it’s possible! […] We believe our ideas help to bring a new generation to the museums."
“I believe us young people should
have a voice and make decisions and have our voice heard. I am passionate about
youth voice”.
“I enjoy history and I am passionate about making it more inclusive to others including young people. I think having a role in shaping local museums is exciting.”
Eleanor tells us about July’s session, which focused on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
“In July's session, we talked about diversity and what it means. We spent time thinking about what makes people unique and individual. We also got to try out some visual impairment glasses. These helped us to understand what it might be like to be visually impaired.
In the session, I shared my thoughts and experiences of being disabled with the rest of the group. We talked about some of the difficulties I face and what is helpful for me. For example, I shared how helpful it is for interactive items to be in easy reach for a wheelchair-user. We tried out some of the accessibility resources in Pontefract Museum. We also talked about how the museums could improve accessibility for a range of people.”
 |
| André tests out some visual impairment glasses in the exhibition space at Pontefract Museum |
André tells us about September’s session, which looked at activities for young people.
“Giving ideas while learning and having fun? Yes…it’s possible!
In September’s session, we shared ideas for activities that would engage young people. The session had a lively atmosphere. We brainstormed activities that could attract a younger audience. These included hands-on exhibitions, immersive experiences and social media campaigns.
We started by sharing personal stories. This was a highlight of the session for me. It helped us to connect with each other. The stories also sparked ideas. For example, one member told us about their talent for painting. This led to a discussion about art workshops in museums. Another member shared their interest in podcasts. This led to discussions about digital content and the possibility of photography competitions.
It was clear from the session how important it is to involve young voices in cultural spaces. We also saw how creativity and learning can come together to create vibrant places. We believe our ideas would help to bring a new generation to the museums.”
Huma tells us about November’s session, where the young people helped to plan a Youth Takeover Day for 2025.
“In November’s session, we helped to plan the 2025 Youth Takeover Day for Wakefield Museum. Youth Takeover Day aims to encourage more young people to engage with museums. Young people can take over jobs carried out in museums for the day.
We heard from Rose, a learning officer at Wakefield Museums & Castles. We also heard from some young people who had participated in last year's Takeover Day. It was the first time I had heard about this annual event. Others in the group were also new to it. It was interesting to learn what previous participants did on the day. We thought about what we could change or improve.
We completed a quiz on how we’d like the Takeover Day to look. This data was helpful when we later split into pairs to have more focused discussions. Each discussion centred on specific points. We discussed the development stage, the location, and the activities we’d like to do on the day. The session was an exciting chance for us to shape the 2025 Youth Takeover Day. We can’t wait to see the outcome!”
 |
| A feedback sheet from the November session |
The Youth Forum members also
enjoyed a trip to Danum in Doncaster in the summer. We were joined by the SPARK
Youth Arts Ambassadors.
Freyja tells us about the trip.
“The Wakefield Museums & Castles Youth Forum and the wonderful SPARK ambassadors hopped on a train to Doncaster, to visit DANUM! DANUM contains three museums, an art gallery and library. We were introduced to the museum by the fabulous Meg. We had time to explore independently, and then we discussed what we would like to see in the new Wakefield Museum.
The resources available in the museum were brilliant for visitors of all ages. There were many screens with virtual catalogues and audio descriptions, for those who may want a quieter experience, but for the big kids... there was a replica greengrocers’ shop (with items on display!) and a fabulous dress up section, which the youth panel enjoyed! I definitely want to go back and explore more!
It was so exciting to look at potential ideas for the new Wakefield Museum. I loved brainstorming with fellow creatives from all backgrounds on creating an accessible museum for all.”
 |
Our Youth Forum members looking at displays in the Danum Gallery, Library & Museum |
If you would like to find out
more about our Youth Forum, please email museums@wakefield.gov.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment
We would love your comments - though they may take a day or two to appear.