Stockport ‘L!STEN’ Youth Alliance Honoured with Prestigious National Award
The Stockport-based L!STEN Youth Alliance received the 2025 British Citizen Youth Award for its remarkable contribution to local community wellbeing and youth empowerment.
Recognition and Ceremony
The award, named the Dame Mary Perkins British Citizen Group Award, was presented at the Roll of Honour ceremony in October 2025 at the Palace of Westminster. It acknowledged the group’s dedication to improving opportunities and lives for young people across Stockport.
About the L!STEN Initiative
L!STEN is a joint initiative between Stockport Council and social enterprise PIE: Pursuing Individual Excellence. Established in April 2023, its mission is to strengthen youth participation, address community priorities, and ensure that young people’s opinions shape local policy decisions.
Inclusivity and Representation
To make the programme accessible to all, a local SEND organisation was engaged, ensuring that young people with additional needs are represented and supported throughout the project.
Impact and Community Transformation
L!STEN has reshaped youth engagement in Stockport, inspiring pride, belonging, and active citizenship among its members. This recognition serves as a tribute to their dedication and the collaborative spirit of everyone involved.
“When we were first commissioned by Stockport Council to run a new Youth Alliance in 2023, we couldn’t have imagined how much the group would achieve in just a couple of years.”
The L!STEN Youth Alliance stands as a model for inclusive community engagement, and its 2025 national award highlights the long-term impact of empowering young voices.
Author’s summary: The L!STEN Youth Alliance in Stockport was awarded the British Citizen Youth Award 2025 for transforming youth engagement and ensuring inclusive community representation.