Case Study

In 2025, the government renewed its commitment to lowering the voting age to 16 ahead of the next general election. For Ingeus Youth Voice Ambassador, Arshiya, it’s a hugely positive move and an opportunity she would have jumped at as her interest in government and citizenship grew throughout senior school. Now 19 and converting her passion into studying an International Politics degree, she’s determined to play an active role in conversations that will shape her life, and those of other young people.  

 

“I would watch the news but not see anyone similar to me,” explains Arshiya, who comes from Romford and studies at City St George's, University of London. “Young people don’t seem represented, and many are disinterested in politics, but the decisions of today are going to affect us massively going forward, more so than the rest of the population.  

 

“I’m not sure yet where my studies will lead me, perhaps into political journalism, but I know I want to influence the world around me, to tackle injustice and bridge divides.”  

 

That drive has seen Arshiya elected as her university course’s student representative for the second year running, and to her joining Youth Voice in early 2025. 

 

Ingeus Youth Voice Ambassadors actively contribute to both Ingeus and external initiatives to engage and empower young people. In the past year alone, Arshiya has given her feedback on a government presentation of the National Youth Strategy; attended a residential programme with 15–17-year-olds at risk of becoming involved with crime; and attended the My Life My Say NextGen 2025 event at the Ministry of Sound. 

 

“Youth Voice is the most empowering position I’ve held yet,” adds Arshiya. “Being part of it is helping me prepare for life and work after education. 

 

“I’ve had the chance to present to policy makers and to spend time with people from very different backgrounds to myself. All young people are different but deep down we’re not as divided as it may appear. Everyone wants the same opportunities in life but just may not be given the chance. 

 

“I am so grateful to Youth Voice for enabling me to participate in events like NextGen. It fed my passion for empowering young people and reinforced the fact that we are important. We shouldn’t just sit and watch the political world from the sidelines and being with other young people so determined to have a positive impact on the big issues we’re facing is motivating me even more.” 

 

Find out more about Youth Voice.