You do not need to be the loudest in the room. Just care about something.
Ticked even one? You belong here. Join us →
We turn what young people think into things that happen.
Take it to the top
We meet councillors and Crawley's MP in person. Members have been to the Houses of Parliament to put questions to the people in charge.
Run Youth Question Time
Our event pulls in students from every Crawley secondary school to debate the topics they pick, with experts and leaders in the room.
Take on what matters
Mental health, feeling safe, safer routes to school, and the classic one: somewhere to actually go. Your priorities set the agenda.
Make it count
We are backed by Crawley Borough Council, so the views we gather feed into real decisions about the town you live in.
What members say.
I joined thinking I would just sit there. A few months in I was helping run an event in front of councillors.
It is the one place where adults actually ask what we think, then do something with it.
Got to visit Parliament and meet our MP. Tell me where else you do that at 15.
Help run your town.
Two minutes to register your interest. No experience needed, just an opinion and the nerve to share it.
Join the council →Young people, taken seriously.
The Crawley Young Persons Council, or CYPC, exists so the people who run the town hear straight from the people growing up in it. We are young people aged 11 to 25 who live, work, or study in Crawley.
We meet about once a month at the Town Hall or a spot in the town centre. Elections happen every two years, and any young person in Crawley can put themselves forward for a seat.
We are backed by Crawley Borough Council's Community Development team, so our work plugs into real decisions. From grilling senior councillors to visiting Parliament and meeting Crawley's MP, we get young voices into rooms they usually get left out of.
If you are 11 to 25 and Crawley is your town, you are in.
Aged 11 to 25
Year 7 or already at college, work, or uni. There is a place for you either way.
Live, work or study here
You do not have to live in Crawley. If your school, college, or job is here, you count.
No experience needed
You do not need to be into politics or top of the class. Bring an opinion, that is it.
A meeting, in plain English.
Once a month
Usually a couple of hours at the Town Hall or town centre. Come when you can, no pressure if you miss one.
We talk it out
We share what is going on, pick the issues to push, and plan events. Everyone gets a say, not just the confident ones.
We make decisions
Sometimes guests like councillors drop in. Mostly we sort out what we are doing next and who is doing it.
Not a talking shop. A track record.
Visited Parliament
A tour of the Houses of Parliament and a meeting with Crawley's MP, seeing how decisions get made.
Held Youth Question Time
Now in its fourth year, gathering students from across Crawley with workshops and a live panel.
Grilled councillors
We put safety, wellbeing, and stuff to do directly to the Leader of the Council and cabinet members.
Like the sound of it?
Get involved →Why join CYPC?
Be heard where it counts
Your opinion reaches councillors and decision makers, not just a comment box.
Build real confidence
Speaking up, debating, and leading projects are skills that stick for life.
Stand out on applications
Looks brilliant on a CV, college or sixth form form, UCAS, or job application.
Meet people from everywhere
Connect with young people from every school and corner of Crawley.
Trips and opportunities
From the Parliament visit to events and workshops, members get to go places.
It is actually a laugh
Good people, real purpose, and the buzz of changing something annoying.
Curious to council in four steps.
Register interest
Sign up on the council's official form, or just email us. That is the whole first step.
Come along
Drop into a monthly meeting at the Town Hall and see what we are about.
Stand for a seat
Elections run every two years. Any young person in Crawley can nominate themselves.
Make change
Pick the issues you care about and start moving them forward.
What you actually sign up for.
An hour or two a month
One meeting, plus the odd event if you fancy it. We get that you have school, exams, and a life.
Miss one? No drama
Cannot make a meeting? Come when you can. Nobody is checking a register.
Bring a mate
Easier with a friend? Bring one. The more young people involved, the louder we are.
Stuff people ask before joining.
Do I need any experience?+
Nope. Most members turn up knowing nothing about how councils work. You learn as you go, and there is always someone to show you the ropes.
Do I have to be into politics?+
Not at all. You just need to care about something, whether that is mental health, bus routes, parks, or somewhere to hang out.
I am shy. Is that okay?+
Completely. Loads of members start quiet. You will never be forced to speak in front of everyone, and confidence has a habit of sneaking up on you here.
How much time does it take?+
Roughly one meeting a month, around an hour or two. Events and trips are extra and totally optional.
Does it cost anything?+
No. Joining and taking part is free.
Do I have to live in Crawley?+
You need to live, work, or study in Crawley. So if your school or college is here, you qualify even if you live just outside.
Will it help with college or jobs?+
Yes. It is real leadership and teamwork experience that stands out on a CV, a college or sixth form application, UCAS, or an apprenticeship form.
Tell us you are in.
Signing up takes about two minutes on Crawley Borough Council's official form. Everyone aged 11 to 25 who lives, works, or studies in Crawley is welcome.
Sign up on the council site →- Prefer email?[email protected]
- FacebookCrawleyYPCouncil
- What happens nextWe get in touch about the next meeting
Not ready to join? Still tell us.
You do not have to be a member to be heard. If something in Crawley is doing your head in, or you have an idea that would make life better for young people here, send it over. We bring the stuff you raise to our meetings and to the council.
- Email us[email protected]
- FacebookCrawleyYPCouncil
- Anonymous?No problem, just leave your name out
The kind of things young people raise.
"Nowhere to go"
Spaces to hang out, things to do in the evenings and holidays, somewhere that is actually for us.
"Do not always feel safe"
Lighting, dodgy spots, getting home, and feeling secure walking around town.
"Mental health matters"
Support that is easy to reach, less stigma, and adults who take it seriously.
Get in touch.
- Email[email protected]
- Facebook/CrawleyYPCouncil
- Where we meetCrawley Town Hall & town centre venues
- Who can joinAnyone 11 to 25 in Crawley
Questions about joining, an event, or anything else? Drop us a line. If you already know you are in, skip ahead and register your interest.
Register your interest →