A group of youngsters 'speaking  up and speaking out'

Speak up and speak out

Young people across Staffordshire are being encouraged to make their voices heard by signing up as candidates in the forthcoming UK Youth Parliament elections.

Information evenings have already been held across the county, with more to follow. Potential candidates can find out more information on being a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP), pick up an application form and get help filling it in. The deadline for completed applications is Friday December 4.

The UK Youth Parliament is a national charity which gives young people aged between 11 and 18 a voice which will be heard by local and national government as well as the providers of other services for youngsters. The group holds a three-day national conference every summer as well as regional assemblies every other month.

MYPs that have been elected in previous years' elections have made a huge difference to the lives of young people in Staffordshire by organising various campaigns such as youth conferences, education seminars, volunteering projects and campaigning against bullying. MYPs are also actively involved in decision making at the highest levels of the county council. Many of the current MYPs took part in the recent Speak Out conference, which gave 200 young people the chance to have their views heard by top decision makers in the county.

County Councillor Ben Adams, Cabinet member for Communities and Culture, said: "The deadline for applications is approaching quickly, so any young person interested in making a difference to their local area, and their county, needs to apply soon. In Staffordshire, our MYPs are extremely active, and have a fantastic track record of being involved in some of the big issues affecting young people. I am sure there are many young people out there who want to make their voices heard, and this is a fantastic opportunity to do so."

Anyone who would like more information should visit www.speakoutonline.co.uk or visit their local youth centre for an application pack.

Information evenings are being held at:

Codsall, Wednesday November 25 at Codsall Council Offices, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, 7-9pm

Tamworth, Thursday November 26 at Tamworth Youth Centre, Spinning School Lane 5-7pm

Lichfield, Monday November 30 at Minster Hall Youth Centre, Dam Street 5.30-7.30pm

Leek, Thursday December 3, Milward Hall Youth Centre, Salisbury  Street, Leek  7-9pm

Cannock, Thursday December 3, Cannock Youth Centre, Avon Road  6-8pm

 

Page Last Modified: 25/11/2009 16:13:15

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