Westmorland and Furness Council is encouraging young people across the region to apply to stand for the Youth Parliament and be a ‘voice for their generation.’
Young people will be given the opportunity to represent their local communities and their fellow youth at both regional and national levels, with elections coming up. Those between the ages of 11 and 18 will be able to stand in the UK Youth Parliament elections, however, they have until the 24th March to apply to be a candidate. Voting opens on Monday 6th May and results will be announced on the 29th May.
Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, Cllr Sue Sanderson, said:
“Everywhere I go in Westmorland and Furness, I am impressed by our young people. They are caring, well informed and confident when it comes to expressing their views.
“Getting involved in Youth Parliament gives you the chance to speak up for your peers and make their voices heard by decision-makers.
“You might think, ‘party politics isn’t for me’, but the most important thing is understanding the issues facing young people here in Westmorland and Furness, then representing their views to try to make a difference.”
Westmorland and Furness has one seat available for a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP), as well as two posts as Deputy Member of Youth Parliaments (DMYP). In order to apply, they must be aged between 11 and 18, however, the term of office is two years and if a MYP turns 19 during their term, they must stand down. Applicants must also live, work, or study within the Westmorland and Furness area and be a member of the youth council at the same time.
Image credit: iStock
Video credit: UK Youth Parliament
