Young People have their say
Pictured: Young Citizens Officer Collette Roberts (3rd left) and Support Worker Rachel Wall (4th left) talk to Huyton Today reporters Elizabeth Dorran, Sean Derbyshire and Joseph Inglesby
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Young people in Huyton will soon be able to make themselves heard and contribute to the way Knowsley Borough is governed through their own Youth and Children’s Parliaments. These forums will allow children and young adults the chance to have a voice and talk about things that are affecting young people within their schools and community.
The Children’s Parliament will be for 5 to 13 year olds whilst the Youth Parliament will be for those aged 13 to 20. Following on from the success of the Knowsley Schools Councils, children from across the borough will soon be able to come along to an area meeting of the Parliament and talk about any issues from their school or where they live. People who provide services for children and young people in the Borough will then answer the questions that the children have raised. The people who attend the meetings will include policy and decision-makers.
It is intended that the Children’s and Youth Parliaments, funded by the Children’s Fund, will give children who do not have a voice, a chance to be heard.
Colette Roberts, Young Citizens’ Officer, told Huyton Today, “We hope to get young people involved in the democratic process. During the last election, only 20% of Knowsley people voted. In some areas of the borough, the figure was even lower. Hopefully these initiatives will raise awareness of the importance of voting and getting involved in the democratic system. We hope to increase the numbers of people who vote by involving young people in the system now and we hope to show that their views will be listened to.”
“Parliamentary Area Forum meetings will be held every six weeks and any young person from that area is welcome to come along and take part,” she continued.
“My little dream is to have someone, who comes through the Knowsley Schools’ Council, Youth Parliament or Children’s Parliament, to become an elected member of the council. We really want to change the way young people are seen in the Borough,” said Colette.
Young people from this area could even have a national impact, as representatives from the local parliaments will go forward to have their say in the National Youth Parliament.
As Colette explains, “Citizenship is high on the Government’s agenda. It is now taught in schools and children are becoming more aware of democratic processes. The government has even recognised the need for a Minister for Young People.”
Former Knowsley Hey Pupil Mark Blackman, who also served on the Knowsley Schools Council, told Huyton Today, “Taking part in the Youth Parliament has helped me improve my communication skills. I have also had the opportunity to meet people from different areas who have contributed to the meetings of the Youth Parliament. It gives all young people in the borough a voice and a chance to make a change to our communities.”
If you would like to know more about the Children’s and Youth Parliaments then contact either Colette, Rachel or Kate Ross on 0151 443 5602 at the Citizenship and Social Inclusion Unit, Yorkon Building, Archway Road, Huyton, Knowsley.