Celebrating 6 years of Youth Justice Voices

On Tuesday 5 August 2025, we came together to celebrate 6 years of Youth Justice Voices, a project led by and for young people with experience of the care and justice systems. Supporters and participants gathered in Glasgow to reflect on the history, impact and achievements of this project so far. 

The event took place at thestudio in Glasgow, where we were treated to celebratory cake, competitive quizzes, emotional poetry and powerful conversations. It was both a joyful and thoughtful afternoon, filled with moments that reminded us just how far the project has come. We also took time to remember everyone who helped shape Youth Justice Voices into what it is today, with a special dedication to Bella McQuaid.

Thank you to everyone who came out to mark this occasion with us. It was important that - just like our steering groups - this event was led, planned and delivered by our representatives. They wanted a good mix of celebrating achievements, showcasing creative work, fun activities and spoken word...and they did an amazing job. It was fantastic to have so many familiar faces in the room, along with some new ones. The energy and participation throughout the day was brilliant, and the feedback has been really positive. 

Youth Justice Voices wouldn’t be what it is without our steering groups and our supporters. This event gave us a chance to look back, and take a moment to recognise everything we have achieved over the past 6 years, with friends and colleagues. 

We heard from all 3 of our incredible steering groups - Youth Just Us, based in Glasgow, Inside Out, based in Polmont HMPYOI, and Youth Justice Voices North East, based in Aberdeen - who each shared their thoughts and highlights. They showcased animations created in partnership with Braw Talent, spoke about the personal impact of being involved in the project, and how their work has helped support other young people with similar experiences. 

Reece, a Youth Just Us steering group member, shared his thoughts on the day: 

“This was the best event I have been involved in with Staf. It was a very meaningful event, because it was youth led, and we planned and executed our vision. As part of this, we had training in event planning with Every Stage, we designed merchandise, orchestrated inputs, and invited friends and supporters. It really felt like preparation for the working world. It was important for me that it was a celebration of the Youth Justice Voices project, and a celebration of all those involved and the group's achievements.” 

Another steering group member, Chris Marshall, also shared his reflections: 

“It was brilliant having everyone in the room, the partners, supporters and friends. I think that it celebrated the whole project in one big event was rewarding. We’re getting to see what we’ve done and bring back memories of all of our work, and recognising what we have achieved. It was also great having Inside Out being able to participate in their own way, who curated their own activity to be delivered during the event.” 

The afternoon ended with Reece performing his poem, The Boy Who Lived. His words and delivery silenced the room, offering a moving reminder of the real experiences at the heart of Youth Justice Voices, and the importance of making space for those voices to be heard. And not only heard, but acted upon to achieve positive changes in the care and justice systems.

We are incredibly proud of every project, event, animation and idea these young people have brought to life over the past 6 years. Their work continues to make change in the care and justice systems, and their voices have never been more needed.

Thank you to everyone who has supported, taken part in and helped shape Youth Justice Voices over the years. Here's to 6 years of impact, and many more to come. 

If you are a young person, or work with young people who have experience of the care and justice systems and would like to get involved in Youth Justice Voices, please reach out. We would love to hear from you.