Redbridge Youth Council is stepping up to tackle key issues affecting young people in the borough, with a focus on food poverty and mental health. At the Redbridge Council External Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday 3 July 2025, Youth Members of Parliament (MYPs) Anusha Hossain and Yusuf Shobair, along with Deputy Youth MP Inaaya Ijaz, presented their plans to address these challenges. The Youth Council's annual presentation to the External Scrutiny Committee highlighted their commitment to addressing these issues and more. To ensure their initiatives reach the most vulnerable, the Youth Council is collaborating with charities like Little Dreams to provide free mentoring and tutoring sessions with individuals from top universities and leading firms. They are also planning engaging, accessible trips to top universities and companies, giving students the chance to explore these environments first-hand. These initiatives aim to remove barriers and widen access, empowering young people across Redbridge to dream big, believe in their abilities, and take bold steps toward their goals.
Anusha Hossain is focusing on reducing food poverty, increasing awareness of available aid, creating mentoring programmes, educating young people about career paths, and providing information on support channels for domestic and child abuse. Yusuf Shobair aims to improve youth mental health by working with schools, educating young people about responsible decision-making in the face of violence, and addressing child poverty through collaborations with local charities.
The Youth Council is also working to enhance the council's online presence to better engage with young people. Yusuf Shobair chaired a meeting dedicated to improving the council's digital platforms. Anusha Hossain is planning to meet with the Digital Team to discuss her Aspire Hub, an online platform designed to help young people easily find opportunities in education, work experience, and career development.
In addition to these initiatives, the Youth Council is planning a football match with the police to foster positive community relations. They are also collaborating with Box Up Crime Ilford to host Real Talk Café sessions, addressing street safety, mental health, and poverty. Other upcoming events include a Celebration Event for GCSE and A-Level students and the Jumpers of Joy initiative for Christmas 2025, which will support the local Food Bank.
The Youth Council is actively collaborating with several organizations to maximize the impact of their work. Besides their work with Box Up Crime Ilford, they are working with Little Dreams to provide free mentoring and tutoring sessions. They are also members of the Safer Neighbourhood Board, contributing youth perspectives to local safety strategies. They are planning to invite professionals from top firms to speak with young people about their career journeys and are exploring the possibility of creating Steel Warriors, an outdoor calisthenics gym.
The Youth Council's annual presentation to the External Scrutiny Committee highlighted their commitment to environmental issues, including supporting the Plastic Clever Schools initiative and participating in events like the Youth Climate and Sustainability Conference.