Website of the UK government

Get involved and Join

Join is about making a positive impact on your life and community.

This page gives you access to information about different organisations and activities you might want to get involved with.

Why not take an active role in local politics, talk to your MP, campaign on local issues or join the UK Youth Parliament? You could also volunteer to help charities or environmental projects.

Your views are important, so it’s good to join in on messageboard chats to discuss issues like immigration, crime and the environment.

Being a good citizen goes far beyond politics – there are so many ways you can make a difference. By not littering, reporting crime or taking care of a vulnerable person, you are helping to build and strengthen your local community.

• Find your nearest youth council Opens new window

Chat about real issues which affect you

How does politics affect your life? Is your voice heard? What are your views on climate change or civil rights?

Share your views by chatting to other teenagers on the Debatewise messageboards.

• Chat about issues which affect you - Debatewise Opens new window

• Discuss: do you think politics affects your daily life? Opens new window

• Discuss: do you think a celebrity would make a good minister? Opens new window

Volunteering - search and apply online

One of the most fun and rewarding ways to make a difference is through volunteering. It's a great way of learning new things, meeting new people and doing some good work for the community. It can even help you get a job or secure a university place.

Search and apply for volunteering opportunities in your area by following the link below.

• Volunteering if you're between 14 and 19 (young people section)

• FAQs on volunteering Opens new window

• Volunteering (home and community section)

• Volunteering if you're disabled Opens new window

• Volunteering helps boost your CV Opens new window

Your voice, your stories

Thousands of young people join in and help out in their local communities every day.

Examples of how three young people have done exactly that can be found by following the links below. Read how cleaning up the local area, working as a virtual volunteering advisor and volunteering while at university have helped make three communities a better place.

• Laura: the environment here does need a voice Opens new window

• Nik: virtual volunteering - it's a whole new concept Opens new window

• Fiona: spreading the love through voluntary work Opens new window

Your guide to government in Britain

There are several tiers of government in the UK. Most laws are made in Parliament, but some are made by the European Union.

Local government is responsible for running most of the local services you rely on.

Find out more about European, national and local government by following the links below.

• UK government (government, citizens and rights section)

• Politics and government (young people section)

• Shadow a government minister Opens new window

• Shadow a local councillor Opens new window

• Find out about your local MP Opens new window

Vote and be heard

You must be 18 or over to vote in official elections in the UK, although you can register to vote from the age of 16. If you are under 18 you can also vote for the UK Youth Parliament.

Follow the links below for more information on local and national elections, registering to vote and the different ways you can vote in an election.

• Voting at an election (government, citizens and rights section)

• Voting guidance for students Opens new window

• Vote for your UK Youth Parliament Opens new window