What’s Voices for Impact (VfI)?
The VfI platform empowers young people to share their views on important themes which are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The platform is structured around six SDGs to include:
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well Being
- Goal 4: Quality Education (linked with Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth,
referred to as Learning, Skills, and Work) - Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (referred to as Digital)
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities (referred to as Fairer Society)
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (referred to as Planet)
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (referred to as Safer Society)
The platform is rooted in the principles of the Lundy participation model, emphasising the
importance of creating spaces where young people are heard and actively involved in decision-making.
The partnership for the Voices for Impact platform extends across NI, the Republic of Ireland,
Scotland and Wales, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between young people
from diverse backgrounds. This cross-border initiative aims to bridge divides, promote shared
values, and create a cohesive community of young voices advocating for sustainable development and positive change.
VfI Learning Outcomes
The training content will cover all necessary detail needed to equip youth workers to successfully engage young people in the Voices for Impact platform. Training content will cover the following learning outcomes:
- Learning outcome 1: Enhanced knowledge and understanding of the SDGs.
- Learning outcome 2: Efficacy in navigating the platform and confidence in assisting children and young people to do the same, equipping them to share their views.
- Learning outcome 3: Solid understanding and ability to use, explore and analyse the data collected, for example efficacy and confidence in understanding patterns emerging, filtering by key demographics (age, gender, jurisdiction etc.) and mechanisms for using such data for inviting creative conversations with children and young people.
- Learning outcome 4: Efficacy in presenting data and disseminating key findings clearly in order to support evidence-based practice and advocacy. For example, to facilitate competent dissemination to a range of stakeholders, including community workers/ leaders, youth leaders, educators and policy/decision makers.
What will the training involve?
The face- to-face training will be a 4-hour interactive workshop facilitated by Karen and Leeanne. The online session will cover the same content but will be shorter in length (2hours 30minutes).
How much does the training cost?
It’s completely free! We will also provide lunch for attendees who register for the face-to-face session. Please email us in advance with any dietary requirements (optimumresearchandinnovation@gmail.com). This project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
When is the training?
The face-to-face session will take place on Thursday 7th May 2026 from 1pm – 5pm. This session will take place at The Barracks, Stirling, Forthside Way, Stirling,
FK8 1QZ.
The online session will be on Thursday 14th May 2026 from 6pm- 8.30pm.
Register for the in person session here
Register for the online session here
More information on VfI can be accessed via the BYTES webpage. If you have any questions relating to the training course please contact Karen or Leeanne via email – optimumresearchandinnovation@gmail.com