Skip to main content

Welcome to the Heritage Youth Partnership Newsletter

In this Heritage Youth Partnership newsletter, you can find out about our recruitment for the next cohort of Youth Voice Ambassadors, celebrate 70 years of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE), look back at everything we've achieved in our 2025–26 Heritage Youth Partnership Report, and read a case study about the 1st Winscombe Cubs' overnight stay at The Bishop's Palace, Wells, exploring the historic site and taking part in a memorable heritage experience.

YVAs

We're recruiting 

Youth Voice Ambassadors!

Do you know a young person who is passionate about heritage, community and making a difference? We're looking to add to our cohort of paid Youth Voice Ambassadors (aged 18–25) from uniformed youth organisations across England, to help shape the Heritage Youth Partnership and ensure young people's voices are at the heart of our work.

The flexible, paid role (up to 15 hours between August 2026 and February 2027) includes opportunities to create content, represent uniformed youth at events, co-design resources and influence a national heritage project. If you work with eligible young people, please share this opportunity with them and encourage them to apply.

What a year for our Heritage Youth Partnership! 👏

➡️ 580 young people involved in heritage activities
➡️286 young people leading heritage social action projects
➡️9 youth-led microgrants awarded
➡️26 partner organisations collaborating nationwide

The Heritage Youth Partnership continues to empower young people to explore, protect and celebrate our shared heritage.

scouts

1st Winscombe Cubs at 

The Bishop's Palace, Wells

The 1st Winscombe Cubs recently enjoyed an unforgettable overnight stay at The Bishop's Palace, Wells, where they explored the Palace, chapel and gardens, learned about the site's rich history, and developed confidence, resilience and independence through a unique nights-away experience. The visit was made possible thanks to the support of the Palace team, demonstrating how heritage sites can provide memorable opportunities for young people to connect with history beyond the classroom.

This inspiring partnership highlights the value of opening heritage venues to uniformed youth groups. As members of Historic Houses, The Bishop's Palace is helping make heritage more accessible for young people. Other Historic Houses members can also promote opportunities for local youth groups through the Heritage Youth Partnership map, encouraging more young people to discover and enjoy the historic places on their doorstep.

70 years of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award

This year marks 70 years of the DofE, celebrating generations of young people who have built skills, supported their communities and challenged themselves through the Award. If you work with young people completing their DofE, why not share our heritage resources? They offer plenty of ideas for incorporating heritage into DofE activities—from exploring local history and caring for nature to learning traditional crafts and uncovering community stories—helping young people achieve their Award while connecting with the heritage around them.

WHO WE WORK WITH