Passion, Priorities, and Politics at North Somerset Youth Parliament’s first meeting

Last Wednesday, young people from across North Somerset gathered for the first time at Weston-super-Mare’s Town Hall to discuss their future, and to voice issues and concerns held by thousands of young people across the region.

Each school and group involved was asked to send four students to herald their own ideas from student councils and youth councils alike. This was a fantastic event with a very lively atmosphere, young people excited that they could finally get their voice heard in the community, and ready to take hold of every opportunity.

The meeting was kicked off with an introduction to those hosting the event from North Somerset Council, including youth champion Cllr. Thomas Daw, from the Green Party, who was elected as North Somerset’s youngest ever councillor at the age of 20.

Then, a video message from Weston-super-Mare’s Dan Aldridge MP was played to give words of encouragement for the trailblazing young politicians, and to demonstrate his support for the youth.

Representatives came from the likes of Clevedon School, St Katherine’s, and Weston Youth Council, to discuss numerous matters that the groups they represent were concerned about, including youth voice, accessibility, and a lack of political education in readiness for the new voting age that the government announced back in July.

The issues brought forward were discussed in two groups of older and younger members, before being brought back to the full Youth Parliament to vote for three priorities that the members will focus on for the year.

The three issues decided on were inappropriate racist and hateful behaviour, safer environment and streets, and mental health support with shorter waiting lists.

Over the next year, the members will split into three working groups to improve North Somerset in these areas for young people. One representative from Worle Community School said that they are “really excited to be getting to work,” saying that they “really want to turn the tables for young people in the community.”

The initiative is sure to make a big difference for young people across North Somerset, promising to provide equal opportunity to those in rural areas to those living in the large towns like Portishead.

The youth parliament will also be electing members into leadership positions, choosing two leaders and two representatives for North Somerset to take young people’s voices to a national stage!