April marks the beginning of a 2-year term of office for Somerset Council’s 3 Somerset Members of Youth Parliament. Eva, Blake and Luca, will kickstart their election-winning campaigns.
Eva will be looking at sports in schools and colleges across the county, including any barriers to taking part and what can be done to make activities more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for children and young people.
Blake will focus on money skills and financial literacy education in schools, encouraging greater understanding of bills, budgeting and saving, as well as researching and promoting existing support resources. Blake will also be talking to businesses, organisations and networks about work experience opportunities for local children and young people.
Luca’s campaign will focus on misinformation, exploring where young people get their news, factchecking, and evaluating information for accuracy. In addition, he’ll be working with key figures in communities across the county to make sure the voices of children and young people are heard and actioned.
To find out more about the Somerset Members of Youth Parliament and the issues they’ll be championing, visit Somerset Youth Parliament’s campaigns page.
Eva, Blake and Luca will replace outgoing Youth Parliament Members Emma and James, who served Somerset for two years and were praised for their efforts and dedication to the role.
Emma said:
The role of a Member of Youth Parliament is so important for young people, those who are elected and for those who they represent. It ensures young people have a voice through regional, national and local decision-making.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the role and responsibilities and learnt many skills along the way. I’ll continue working to ensure young people’s voices are heard – an ambition I know our fantastic newly elected Members of Youth Parliament will strive for as they start their new campaigns.
Lead Member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, Cllr Heather Shearer, said:
We thank Emma and James for their hard work and contributions. Both have gone above and beyond during their time in office.
They’ve attended sittings at the House of Commons, sat on Somerset Council recruitment interview panels, performed keynote speeches and attended Children’s Parliament events. All whilst studying for and sitting their GCSEs.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have had 2 such talented and dedicated young people representing Somerset and wish them all the best in their future paths. As we do our 3 new Members. I’m so excited about their campaigns and potential and look forward to witnessing what they achieve in the months and years ahead.
Somerset Youth Parliament is a diverse and friendly organisation built on equality, inclusion, respect and democracy. It’s supported by an Advisory Group which is free, fun, interesting and always welcomes new people. If you are aged 10 to 25 years, and live, work or go to school in Somerset, you can join.
You can make a difference – sign-up today! For more information, visit the Somerset Youth Parliament website.
