The call is out to make sure as many young people as possible across Somerset have their voices heard in the UK’s biggest youth survey ‘Make Your Mark’.
Somerset Youth Parliament and Somerset County Council are encouraging schools, colleges and youth projects across the county to have their say, make a difference and ensure young people’s voices are heard on key issues.
The online British Youth Council survey encourages all young people aged 11 to 18 years to vote on issues which are most important to them. These top issues will then be debated and voted on by elected Members of Youth Parliament, helping create the next UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) manifesto.
Amelia, aged 14, an elected Member of the Youth Parliament said: “It’s more important than ever that adults hear the voices of young people this year, about issues that are the most important to them! We want to be taken seriously so we urge schools, colleges and youth clubs to register with the British Youth Council and encourage your 11-18 year olds to vote. This is our chance to make a difference.”
Schools, colleges, clubs and youth projects are able to register and find out more online at:
https://www.byc.org.uk/uk/uk-youth-parliament/make-your-mark
Cllr Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Somerset County Council said: “I’d like to see as many young people as possible across Somerset taking part. The survey results will make a huge positive difference and help influence key priorities. Our young people’s voice is extremely important and will help shape services going forward in our communities.”
Due to Covid 19, Somerset Youth Parliament has been busier than ever representing local concerns about Health, Wellbeing, Education, the Environment, Safety and Equality.
Although the MYP elections have been delayed until 2021, it continues to promote, and platform Youth Voice opportunities and continues to welcome new members.
The group is open to anyone aged 11-17 years who lives/attends school or college in Somerset and who would like to represent the young people in the county.
Somerset Youth Parliament is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and is an apolitical universal youth voice group which welcomes people from all backgrounds, experiences and abilities.
It welcomes new volunteers to join their friendly, committed team. It’s a great way to learn new skills, gain confidence, make new friends, and make a difference.
To read more about the ‘Make your Mark’ event and find out more about national campaigns and the British Youth Council search: http://www.byc.org.uk
You can find out more about Somerset UK Youth Parliament group, Make Your Mark BIG VOTE and/ or local Campaigns by contacting: Kdarlington@somerset.gov.uk