A group of young people from Stockport have been recognised on the national stage for transforming how youth voices shape decisions locally.

The L!STEN Youth Alliance has been named the UK’s leading youth-led group and presented with the British Citizen Youth Award 2025 at the Palace of Westminster.

Receiving the Dame Mary Perkins British Citizen Group Award, the L!STEN Youth Alliance was celebrated for its outstanding contribution to improving the wellbeing and lives of young people across Stockport.

Formed in partnership between Stockport Council and local social enterprise PIE: Pursuing Individual Excellence, L!STEN launched in 2023 to ensure young people’s voices influence decisions that affect them.

The group includes around 20 young people from across the borough - including members with additional needs - and works closely with local organisations to represent thousands of youth perspectives every year.

Their work has already made a lasting impact through:

• Annual Wellbeing Festivals designed by young people, for young people.

• The Stockport Youth Summit, which brings together 250 students, councillors and local leaders to discuss real issues.

• Quarterly youth surveys with more than 1,000 responses each time, shaping council policy on topics from hate crime to the cost of living.

• Contributing to the One Stockport One Future Borough Plan, ensuring young people’s priorities are embedded in Stockport’s long-term strategy.

Councillor Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said:

“L!STEN has transformed youth engagement in Stockport, giving young people pride, belonging, and a real voice in shaping change. This national recognition is thoroughly deserved - we’re so proud of their achievements and grateful to everyone who made it possible.”

Beth Collins, founder and CEO of PIE, added:

“When we started the L!STEN Youth Alliance just two years ago, we couldn’t have imagined how much the group would achieve. What began as a project to gather youth voices has grown into a powerful movement influencing policy, hosting major events and improving young people’s lives. This award celebrates their hard work - and the importance of listening to youth voices in everything we do.”

Artemis, one of the young members, said: “To be recognised nationally for something we built together is incredible. Our hard work has made a real difference - and people know about us now!”

Another member, Victoria, added: “Winning this award was the wackiest thing! It really shows that all the effort we’ve put in has paid off. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Since 2016, the British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA) has celebrated young people under 18 making extraordinary contributions to their communities.

Each year, only one group nationwide receives the Dame Mary Perkins Group Award - and this year, that honour belongs to Stockport.