YOUNG people are being given the chance to help make Warrington a better place for future generations.
Warrington Youth Council – IMPACT! – is once again taking part in the national Make Your Mark campaign, to capture the views and ideas of young people across the borough.
The UK’s largest survey of young people’s views, Make Your Mark explores what issues are most important for UK 11 to 18-year-olds.
Members of IMPACT! are urging local young people to take part in the survey, share their views and make sure their voices are heard. They will then be taking these views to London as they join the rest of UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) in the House of Commons on Friday November 10 to debate topical issues, one of which will become the national campaign for 2018.
Cllr Jean Carter, executive board member for children’s services said: “It’s really important that young people across the borough are given the chance to make it clear what issues matter most to them.”
“So whether you believe that the national curriculum needs to better prepare young people for life or public transport should be cheaper and accessible for all, or that young people need more support dealing with mental health issues – with a cross in a box you can have your say in the UK’s largest political youth meeting of the year.”
The annual ballot will contain 10 policies voted for by Members of Youth Parliament including reforming the curriculum, further support for young carers, improving mental health services and protecting school budgets. In recent years, mental health, racism and religious discrimination and a lower voting age have been prioritised.
Following the campaign, priority issues will be brought to the attention of Government Ministers’ and IMPACT! will use the results to inform their ongoing campaigns in Warrington.
Every High School and College in Warrington will be arranging a vote, as well as local youth groups including the Youth Café in the town centre. Or individuals can register online at www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/makeyourmark and fill out the online ballot paper, ensuring every local young person has the opportunity to give their opinion.
Voting closes at noon on October 6.
