Nov 12
On Friday 30th October Worcestershire Members of Youth Parliament have helped make history in the House of Commons, Ario and Alice travelled to Westminster and championed the causes that matter most to them, more than 300 Youth Parliament members debated issues including:
Oct 21
Youth Cabinet Meeting 26th August.
An idea for the Youth Cabinet to split into smaller groups based on the areas covered in the Worcestershire Youth Manifesto was proposed. The various sub-groups are: Move On, Voice & Society Be Healthy, Enjoy & Achieve, Stay Safe, Publicity and Policy.
Vote For Chair, Vice Chair & Secretary
In Previous meetings it was decided that we should have roles. These would be the Chair who would manage the agenda and lead meetings, Vice Chair who would assist the chair, and the Secretary who would make notes during meetings, help set agendas and send out information to the Youth cabinet. Voting took place to elect people to these roles: Alex White was elected as Chairperson, Jordan Merry was elected and Vice Chair and Jasmin Quelch was elected as Secretary.
Guest Speakers
We had the leader of the Council & Chairman of the Cabinet Dr George Lord join us for a short time during our meeting to explain to what he does and what the county council are responsible. Liz Eyre Cabinet Member for Children & Young People(12-19 years) and Marcus Hart Cabinet Member for Children and Young People ( 0-11 years), spoke to us about the roles within the Cabinet and Liz Eyre also discussed with use how we could get involve in looking at the Forward Plans
Anti Bullying
Hannah Cridford the Anti Bullying co-ordinator told us about the work she does in schools. She is working on a model policy to tackle bullying in schools, and asked for the Cabinet to feed back on the policy. We were also invited to take part in the interviews for the new post of Anti Bullying Mentoring co-ordinator.
Since this meeting some of us have taken part in putting together interview questions for this post and taken part in the interview process.
Oct 21
Worcestershire UK Youth Parliament members to debate issues
Members of the Worcestershire’s UK Youth Parliament are clearing their throats ready for their live televised debate when they will be discussing issues volunteered by some of the county’s youngsters.
On Friday, October 30, Worcestershire’s elected Members of the UK Youth Parliament (MYPs) will make history when they sit on the green benches in the House of Commons and debate the issues that matter to young people from across the UK.
Over the last couple of months young Worcestershire residents have been asked to put forward their ideas for what the elected members should debate, with every issue added to a debate list and then voted for.
The debate has been organised by United Kingdom Youth Parliament and supported locally by Worcestershire County Council, the Participation and Engagement Team and Youth Support.
The event is being televised live by The BBC and so will see those issues proposed by the county’s youngsters beamed around the world.
Cllr Liz Eyre, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People (aged 12-19 years), said: “What a fantastic opportunity this will be for our young people to have their say, improve their debating skills and show just how capable and able they are to make a positive contribution within society. Worcestershire residents should be so proud that they are representing us at such a prestigious event.”
Kirsty Fraser, Worcestershire County Council’s Youth Voice Development Worker, said: “This will be a great event which will really help put Worcestershire young peoples’ views and ideas on the agenda. The members will be passionately debating issues raised by their contemporaries around the county and I’m sure will represent Worcestershire with distinction on the day.”
For further details on the debate call Kirsty Fraser on 01905 827489 or e-mail kfraser@worcestershire.gov.uk.
Sep 15
What would you change if you could?
Do you have something to say about being a young person?
Is there something you would change if you had the power to do it?
This is for anyone between 11 to 18. If there’s nothing to do in your area or you feel adults don’t listen to you, then do something about it!
This is your chance to stand up and be heard……
If you are interested in standing for election to the UK Youth Parliament, then everything you need to know is here….
Find out more about the UK Youth Parliament
Find out what it’s like to be a Member of the UK Youth Parliament
If I’m elected what will I have to do?
The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) aims to give young people a voice that is heard and listened to by local and national government and many other services and agencies that are interested in the views of young people.
Members of the Youth Parliament (MYPs) work extremely hard to ensure young people’s voices are heard by some of the most important politicians and decision makers in the country.
There are 3 places (constituencies) for MYPs to represent the young people of Worcestershire.
Over the past few years, the MYPs have achieved many things, including:
You need to send in a Nomination Form by 19th October. This form can be downloaded here**, or you can get them from our office by calling 01905 827489
You will then be invited to attend your Local Candidate Meetings in November, where you will have the opportunity to find out more information, decide if you would definitely like to stand, and have the opportunity to prepare your own brief statement (or manifesto) saying why people should vote for you.
The elections will take place in January, and there will be the announcement of results on Saturday 20th February at a special announcement event.
You are not expected to attend every single meeting, but it is important that you get as involved as you can. Personal circumstances are taken into account and support, training and transport are all provided.
For more information please visit www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk
- Why would I want to be a Member of Youth Parliament?
Being a Member of Youth Parliament is a great opportunity to have your say and make a difference for all young people in Worcestershire and beyond. Through this there will be opportunities for you to gain new skills and experiences, along with a chance to learn about how decisions are made and how you are able to influence this. You will also get to meet new people, make friends and hopefully have a lot of fun.
- How do I know if I’m the right person for the UKYP?
Anyone between the ages of 11-18 is the right person for these opportunities. Other than that, we have no specifications! Having a passion about giving young people a say is useful, but you don’t need any certain skills, qualifications or experience at all.
- Will I get any help?
Support will be provided for the whole time you are involved with the UKYP, both from the Participation & Engagement Team and local District Support Workers.
- When are the meetings?
Meetings tend to be held in the evenings although some activities take place at the weekends or during school holidays. Occasionally opportunities arise during the day in term time – we try to keep these to a minimum and always seek permission from both parents and schools.
- How do I get to meetings?
If you need transport to get to a meeting then we can arrange this for you with one of our approved taxi firms, or if you are able to use public transport then we will refund the cost of this for you.
- I’m interested but I’m worried that there will be too many meetings. Will it be boring?
No, it won’t be boring. It is true that often we do have meetings to achieve certain goals, talk about issues and do a bit of work, but if we didn’t do that nothing would ever get done! However, we do spend a surprising amount of time playing games and doing activities. We try to make sure that we achieve a balance between the serious stuff that makes the changes happen, and the more light hearted stuff too!
- Will it cost me anything?
Members Youth Parliament don’t get paid, but it shouldn’t cost anything to be involved and we will cover any expenses incurred or ensure that you have access to everything required for the role.
- What if there is something specific I know I would like to do if I get elected?
Lots of people join with a specific issue they would like to tackle, or something specific they would like to try and change. We will make every effort to help you with whatever it is you want to achieve - just tell us about it and we will see if we can sort something out!
- What if I don’t want to be a Member of Youth Parliament anymore?
If you get elected but later decide that you don’t want to be part of UKYP any more then we would ask you to speak to us about this so we can discuss why you’ve made this decision and if there is anything we can do to help. However, young people choose to be an MYP and you will not be made to stay on the group if you don’t wish to any more.
- What happens if I don’t get elected?
There are so many opportunities to get involved in, Anyone can join their local Youth Forum without having an election. We also run other projects that we would welcome any young people onto, and we can give you details of these other opportunities when necessary!
- I have more questions. What should I do to get them answered?
We are hoping to answer most questions at the Candidate Information Days. If you can’t wait till then, or just want a chat anyway, feel free to get hold of us via the contact details on this site. We will be happy to talk to you!
May 21
Money 4 Young People, Assessed by Young people.
Latest News
As usual we have had a great response for applications for FLOSS money this year, with 223 groups across the County applying to receive grants. The young assessors will be interviewing everyone who have applied, and successful bidders will be notified by the end of June.
So You Don’t Know about FLOSS????
FLOSS- Funding Lots Of Supper Stuff (Youth Opportunity Fund) is different to other funding because it is Money 4 Young People, Assessed by Young people.
FLOSS has been given £266,000 this year to spend on Young People’s Groups in Worcestershire
So if you are part of a young people’s group aged 13-19
And
You have lots of ideas about things you would like to do
And
Could spend up to £2,500
Why not contact us to find out more
You can talk to us on
01905 827489
or e-mail us on
Poppy & Alpha who are Young Assessors say:
“If you have a good idea about something you want to do in your area you should apply for FLOSS because it can really help you make a difference and also encouges a positive image towards young people”
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A YOUNG FLOSS ASSESSOR?
If you are between the ages of 11-19 and are interested in becoming a Young Assessor in your local area, then contact us on one of the numbers below- and we will tell you all about our training and give you the opportunity to come and meet with your local Young Assessor group and find out what it’s all about:
Redditch contact: 01527 61717
Kidderminster contact: 01562 752711
Worcester contact: 01905 721811
Malvern contact : 01684 893437 or 01584 81900
Wychavon contact: 01905 827269
May 19
This year we had a record number of young people put themselves forward as candidates for the Youth Cabinet & UK Youth Parliament (UKYP). 15 places were available on the Youth Cabinet and 3 places for the UKYP.
The elections took place between the 26th January – 6th February, and will probably be memorable for a lot of you as it was when all the schools closed due to the snow.
This of course was not great for us as some of you didn’t get to vote, as reflected in our turn out figures which were down on last years.
But we have cunning plans for next year, and we will be extending the voting period, it can’t possibly snow for three weeks???(famous last words) and we are looking into the possibility of electronic voting. We will not be defeated.
The announcement of the successful candidates took place in the Council Chambers at County Hall on the 28th February. To find out who represents you in your District go to Meet the Cabinet
New candidates were welcomed onto the Youth Cabinet and UKYP by Councillor Liz Eyre,and outgoing members were presented with tokens of thanks for their hard work over the past two years- we will miss them all.
Worcestershire Youth Cabinet 2009
Dec 04
This is for anyone between 11 to 18. If there’s nothing to do in your area or you feel adults don’t listen to you, then do something about it!
This is your chance to stand up and be heard……
If you are interested in the Worcestershire Youth Cabinet or the UK Youth Parliament then everything you need to know is on this website. You currently have the chance to vote for the candidate who you want to represent you. Whoever is elected will speak to County Councillors and other decision makers, on behalf of young people across the county. Therefore it is important that you get the chance to have a say on who you want to be your voice!
We are sending official ballot boxes, lists of manifestos from each candidate and ballot papers across the county to schools and colleges.
We will also make sure that there are open access voting stations that anyone can go along to and vote, such as youth centres.
If you would like to vote, or know of a place that would like a ballot box, please just give us a shout and we will organise this for you asap. You can get hold of us on 01905 827489.
Dec 04
Youth Cabinet members met with County and District Coucillors at the launch of Worcestershire's Youth Manifesto
Its official
The Worcestershire Youth Manifesto was launched on the 3rd November at a big event held in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Worcester.
We also used this event to debate 3 key issues;
An invited audience made up of some of the county’s most prominent decision makers, including County and District Councillors, services providers joined in the discussions. The issues raised will now be taken forward by decision makers and the Youth Cabinet.
Dec 04
Have you, your family or your friends been affected by the recent global financial problems?
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Dec 04
How old should you have to be before you’re entitled to vote in local and national government elections?
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