Hearing the Young Unheard

The Shrieval Theme of John May, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire 2025–2026

Across Oxfordshire many young people are flourishing – in their families, in their schools, on the sports field and in creative spaces.

But others are not.

Some feel invisible.
Some feel silenced.
Some have been told – by systems or by society – that they don’t belong, or that they don’t matter.

When I began my year as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, I chose the theme Hearing the Young Unheard.

Not because young people lack a voice.
But because systems can sometimes become so complex and noisy that their voices are not always heard clearly enough.

Over the course of the year, this theme shaped a series of conversations, visits and events across the county – bringing together young people, practitioners, community leaders and organisations working to improve life chances for the next generation.

The purpose was simple: to listen, to connect people and to shine a light on the work already being done across Oxfordshire.

Listening Across the County

A central part of the year was a series of Breakfast Conversations held in communities across Oxfordshire.

These brought together teachers, youth workers, police officers, community organisations, local authorities and others working directly with young people.

The conversations were not conferences or formal meetings. They were deliberately small and informal, designed to allow honest discussion about what young people are experiencing and how systems can respond more effectively.

Several consistent themes emerged:

• the importance of belonging in young people’s lives

• the need for stronger collaboration between organisations

• and the value of early intervention before problems escalate

The insights from these conversations helped shape the county conference held later in the year.

County Conference

Hearing the Young Unheard – Early Intervention and Life Chances

In March 2026, leaders from across education, policing, youth services, local government, the voluntary sector and business gathered at the BMW Group Plant in Cowley for the county conference Hearing the Young Unheard – Early Intervention and Life Chances.

My sincere thanks go to Dr Markus Grüneisl and the team at BMW Group for hosting the event so generously.

The conference brought together research, practitioner insight and cross-sector discussion to explore a central question:

What would Oxfordshire look like if we were genuinely serious about early intervention?

The morning included keynote contributions from:

• Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Voluntary Service, speaking about volunteering as a powerful form of early intervention

• Professor Mina Fazel, University of Oxford, presenting insights from the OxWell Student Survey on belonging and young people’s wellbeing

• Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner

Participants also took part in structured discussions about what systems should stop doing, change doing and start doing if outcomes for young people are to improve.

A further exercise invited delegates to make personal pledges – identifying one practical action they or their organisation could commit to over the following year.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion featuring leaders from across Oxfordshire’s civic and professional landscape.

A full account of the conference, together with the insights from the earlier Breakfast Conversations, is available in the report below.

[Download the Conference Report – Hearing the Young Unheard (PDF)]

What We Heard

Across the conversations held during the year, several themes emerged repeatedly.

Belonging matters

Young people who feel connected – to their school, their community or a trusted adult – are far more likely to thrive.

Collaboration is essential

Schools, youth organisations, police, health services and community groups often support the same young people. Stronger collaboration between these sectors is critical.

Early intervention works

The earlier challenges are recognised and addressed, the greater the chance of preventing harm and helping young people stay connected to education, opportunity and community.

Communities Already Making a Difference

One of the most encouraging aspects of the year has been discovering just how much remarkable work is already happening across Oxfordshire.

Teachers, youth workers, volunteers, faith leaders, coaches and community organisations are helping young people every day – often quietly and without recognition.

Part of the role of the High Sheriff is simply to shine a light on that work and help connect people who may not otherwise meet.

Working Together

The office of High Sheriff is a historic but very practical role. It exists to support the justice system, strengthen community connections and celebrate public service across the county.

During the year I have sought to:

• visit organisations working with young people

• listen to practitioners and young people themselves

• connect people and sectors that might benefit from working together

• highlight evidence and good practice

• celebrate the individuals who give their time and energy to support young people

The theme Hearing the Young Unheard has been one small contribution to that wider effort.

A Personal Note

I live in Cherwell and proudly call Bicester home.

The role of High Sheriff is voluntary and unpaid. It is carried out alongside my professional role as Chief Executive of Cats Protection, and alongside my continuing involvement in a range of organisations supporting young people and communities.

It has been a privilege to serve Oxfordshire in this capacity.

My hope is that Hearing the Young Unheard will not simply be remembered as a theme for a single year, but as part of a continuing conversation about how we support young people across our county.

Because when young people feel that they belong – in their schools, their communities and their futures – everyone benefits.