The Chair of Somerset Council, Cllr Mike Best, recently met with new members of the Somerset Youth Parliament at County Hall in Taunton!
The meeting gave young people the chance to learn more about how the council works, how decisions are made, and some of the challenges facing local government.
Somerset Youth Parliament Members, Eva, Blake and Luca, shared their priorities and current campaigns, including mental health and wellbeing, social media and online safety, access to sport and activities, political education, financial literacy, work experience opportunities and ways to strengthen youth participation in local democracy. The discussion also highlighted barriers young people may experience when engaging with decision-makers.
During the meeting, Cllr Best outlined ways in which young people could be more involved in council decision-making, including opportunities to speak at Full Council meetings and to build stronger links between Somerset Council and Somerset Youth Parliament.
The meeting highlighted the importance of listening to young people and working together to make sure their voices help shape decisions that affect them.
Find out more about Somerset Youth Parliament, including current members, campaigns and how young people can get involved in having their voice heard locally at Somerset Youth Parliament.
