What is My Maiden Speech?
My Maiden Speech is a programme designed with one goal in mind; to ensure that voices of young people are heard on the subjects that matter to them.
15 young people with lived experience of the issues that matter most to young people will embark on a journey leading them to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak out in the Houses of Parliament.
Each young person taking part will be nominated by a UK charity that works with young people. This will both raise the profile of the charity and the stories and experiences of the young people that they have supported.
Expressions of Interest for charities to become part of this programme are open. To enquire, please complete this form
‘My Maiden Speech is a critical stepping stone for young people to express their thoughts and be heard. I cannot thank AYPH, and Speakers Trust enough for helping me on this journey where I have learnt to use my voice to speak on behalf of thousands of young people in the UK and across the globe.’
Thara, My Maiden Speech Participant 2025
How Does My Maiden Speech Work?
We invite 15 charities from across the country to participate in My Maiden Speech, by platforming one young person who has benefited from their work. The young people are given the opportunity to speak about a topic of their choice, drawing from their lived experience. Previous issues platformed have included mental health, education, the environment, disability rights and identity.
Prior to delivering their speech, participants are given the opportunity to attend workshops to teach them how to write, structure and deliver their speech with the help of professional speech writers and expert oracy trainers.
After being equipped with the tools to develop their speech, our young participants then take on the final stage of their My Maiden Speech journey; the opportunity to speak in front of a selected audience of MPs, community leaders and cultural figureheads at the Houses of Parliament.
Youth Voice
The major goal of My Maiden Speech is to actively augment the influence of the voices of young people, by bringing together a collective of diverse and vast collection of perspectives, identities, cultures and experiences.
This programme not only gives young people the tools to verbalise their experiences and opinions, but, by providing participants with the opportunity to speak in a space with an audience of influence, My Maiden Speech allows young people to speak directly to MPs, policymakers and leaders in their fields about issues that resonate with them, sharing their experiences unambiguously, and, should they wish, call for change.
The Objectives
Our 2025 Charities
In 2025, My Maiden Speech provided 11 charities with the opportunity for their young beneficiaries to speak at the Houses of Parliament. These charities included;
‘Being able to take part in this opportunity was incredible. I was able to network and communicate with many young people advocating for change, amplifying youth voice across the UK. I am grateful for the confidence this opportunity has given me along with the lifelong friends and memories I have made along the way!’
Niamh, My Maiden Speech Participant 2025
If you wish to find out more about the programme and how your charity can get involved, please email Louis.Preston@speakerstrust.org