Co‑operatives UK’s Youth Advisory Group welcomes new members

Co‑operatives UK is pleased to announce the newest members to join our Youth Advisory Group (YAG). 

Georgia Sullivan, Mara Talbot, Fatima Ishaq, Aaliyah Likuluta and Taylor Thomas are the latest additions to the group, which was launched at our National Youth Summit in 2024 to support the organisation in implementing one of its strategy’s core themes, empowering young people.  

The YAG brings together 16‑30‑year‑olds to provide input into Co‑operatives UK’s work, helping shape what we do to ensure we align with the needs of young people.

Meeting monthly, the group works alongside us to champion the youth voice and advocate for meaningful participation within the co‑operative movement.  

Another key role of the Youth Advisory Group is to advocate for co‑operatives and co‑op values within youth networks outside the movement. 

About our new members

• Georgia Sullivan, Lived Experience Research Advisor with a passion for equity, social mobility and amplify young people’s voices
• Mara Talbot, Primary Teaching Assistant with student housing co-op experience and an interest in the value that co‑ops can bring to society
• Fatima Ishaq, Student Social Worker passionate about social justice and the positive impact co-ops have on communities
• Aaliyah Likuluta, a Youth Advocate spreading the word about co‑operatives to young people – and member of the Young Co‑operators Network
• Taylor Thomas, active young co‑operator and Chair of the Co‑operative Party Youth Network

Ongoing and departing members 

Youth Advisory Group members continuing are:

• Mya Badhan, Co-op Foundation
• Harry Jerome, Coalville CAN and The Co-operative College
• Hamaam Shire, Youth voice advocate
• Victor Agbontean, Co-op Foundation
• Ivan Brosnan, Co-op Young Members’ Group
• Rob Morrisey, Hoot Credit Union and Co-operative Party

The YAG is also saying goodbye to Molly Newhouse, Lydia Rosen, Esther Bird, Ellie Orsmby and Ayesha Di’Angelo. Co-operatives UK would like to thank them for their insight, passion and enthusiasm during their time as members.  

Louis Burnay, Co-operative UK’s Youth Ambassador, said:  

"Big thanks to those leaving us for their valuable contributions to the Youth Advisory Group, and a huge welcome to Georgia, Mara, Fatima, Aaliyah and Taylor. They bring valuable knowledge, experience and perspectives – and we can’t wait to get them involved. 

Community Calls: Empowering young voices

Co‑operatives UK has introduced another initiative as part of its strategy to empower young people – Community Calls, an informal monthly online gathering of young people around the country with the aim of empowering young voices.  

Community Calls will bring young people together to connect, share and engage with other like‑minded people. Not limited to those in co‑operatives, it’s a space for ALL young people interested in and working on community projects and sharing co‑operative values and principles.​ 

​To participate or for more information, sign up on our website here. The first Community Call will be on Wednesday 19th November.