Visiting the Houses of Parliament with our 23-24 Alumni

On Wednesday, 19th March, the Regional Champions of the 2023-2024 Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge had the incredible opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament and Westminster.

Having won first place in their respective boroughs, our youngest Alumni were celebrated for their eloquence and passion with this special visit. The day began with an exclusive tour of the historic Houses of Parliament, where they explored the corridors and chambers that have shaped British political history. From Westminster Hall to the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the Champions were taken on the tour of the grounds, and experienced the history of British politics from the inside.

The tour highlighted the power of public speaking in leadership and governance, reinforcing the importance of using one’s voice to drive change. Beyond being a reward for their achievements, the visit was a learning experience that demonstrated the real-world impact of communication and speaking your truth.

By the end of the tour, our Alumni had the privilege of meeting Joe Powell, MP for Kensington and Bayswater, who shared his journey into politics and the responsibilities of their role. He also shared how one of the speeches he witnessed at a Regional Final of the Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge on smartphone use among teens inspired him to apply to a debate in the House of Commons.

It was a lovely experience for all, with some sharing the positive impact this Challenge has had in their lives, and thanking the team and others for making this possible.

Reflecting on the experience, one parent shared:

“[Participant] has really enjoyed the opportunities she has been given and has made some lovely friends. I think the Houses of Parliament today was the final trip of the year, but she has memories that will last a lifetime and experiences that will help her future choices and career.”

We extend our gratitude to MP Joe Powell and his team for their time and insights. This visit was a truly inspiring experience for our young speakers as they continue to grow in confidence and ambition.

Thank you to the Jack Petchey Foundation for making these experiences possible.

Stay tuned for more updates on the journeys of our Alumni 😉 !