The emphasis in education policy over recent decades has been on inclusion in mainstream schools and colleges. There has also been a focus on promoting the emotional well-being of young people. The "What about us?" project enabled young people with learning difficulties in three localities to bring about changes in their schools and colleges. The areas they chose to focus on included representation through student councils, accessibility, feeling safe, influencing their learning and support through transitions. The project demonstrated that involving and empowering young people with learning difficulties increases their confidence and self-esteem, as well as bringing about important changes in their educational settings. The findings suggest that students agreed with the policy direction, but believed it needed to be applied more rigorously and consistently.