SCHOOLS and community groups have this week begun the process of selecting and electing candidates for Leicester’s next Young People’s Council.
The Young People’s Council aims to provide a voice for young people in the city by ensuring their views are represented in the local decision-making processes that affect them.
Young people, who must be living or attending school in Leicester, can stand for election with their school, college, youth group or community group where they will need to campaign for votes to win a seat on the Young People’s Council.
Voting will take place in the participating schools and community groups over the coming weeks with all elected candidates due to attend a swearing-in ceremony at the Town Hall Council Chambers early in the new year.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell said: “Leicester’s Young People’s Council is a fantastic opportunity for young people. It gives them the space and opportunity to influence decision-makers, voice their opinions to a wide range of audiences and know that their contributions are being valued and heard.
“Being a member of the Young People’s Council is also a great way to build confidence, meet friends and learn new skills.
“Perhaps most importantly though, the Young People’s Council provides a valuable perspective on the issues and plans that we need to consider as a council, particularly around services for children and young people.”
Sera Shortland, head of citizenship at new College Leicester, said: “As a school we have taken part in the YPC elections for many years. Young people have a lot to offer democracy, being the future of the country. They bring fresh perspectives, energy, and ideas and want to get involved in decision-making and so it's important that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that will affect them.
“When young people have access to decision-makers and are offered opportunities through such a brilliant initiative, it has the potential to change lives. Hopefully, this will have a ripple effect on other young people, who will go out and vote in the future.”
The Young People’s Council meets monthly at City Hall to discuss issues affecting young people and discuss actions to tackle them. Members will also be invited to sit at agreed scrutiny committees and work with local councillors to offer young people’s surgeries and attend some community meetings.
Candidates must be aged between 11 and 19 years old, or up to 25 years old for young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
Young People’s Council members can hold their seats for up to two years.
The selection and election process for the next Young People’s Council launched today (Monday 4 Nov) with about 35 local schools and community groups already signed up to participate.
Leicester’s Young People’s Council is organised by the city council rights and participation service. This aims to support and empower young people to be involved in and shape decisions that affect their lives, including how the council plans, delivers and evaluates services for children, young people and parents.
Sam Merry, rights and participation service manager at Leicester City Council added: “The Young Peoples Council is a well-established and highly regarded forum within the city council. Its reach within the local authority helps to demonstrate to young people that they do have a right to be heard and to influence decisions that affect them.
“We’re very excited to launch the election period the next Young People’s Council.”