News

Young people of Poole will be choosing their next Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) through independent elections held on 24 January.

Katy Riddle, aged 17, has been Poole's MYP for the past 12 months and has attended regional and national meetings, some with MPs. Katy has successfully expressed the views of young people from the community. Katy, said: "Being an Poole's representative over the past year has been an amazing and unforgettable experience. It has taught me so much about politics and myself and made me realise how much influence one person can have if they work hard."

The Youth Parliament is an independent and non-political national body which aims to give young people in the UK a voice that can be heard by both Local and National Government. Those who provide services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the opinions of young people also invest time and support in the project.

Peter Cooper, Senior Youth Worker, said: "The UK Youth Parliament has brought form and structure to young people's involvement in local democracy, Poole Youth Services and Electoral Services are working to support this on behalf of all the young people in the town, ensuring their voices get heard at a regional and national level."

Elections will be held on Friday 24 January in the Civic Centre by Youth Serices with support from the Borough's Electoral Services team who manage and organise Local and National elections in the area. Annette Brooke MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole and Robert Syms MP for Poole are attending the event and will be giving a short presentation during the evening. The election runs from 6pm to 10.30pm and includes a celebration party with the new member of the Youth Parliament stealing the dance floor, with other nominees and voters, later in the evening.

Cllr Graham Wilson, Executive Portfolio Holder for Community Development, said: "The Youth Parliament gives young people in Poole the opportunity to talk to us on a local level about issues that directly affect them and many have strong views on a variety of important issues. Nationally it also means that there is a real force that has a right to be listened to. I strongly encourage and support young people from our community who get involved in this process and really begin to make a change to their environment."

If you are interested in attending the election contact Peter Cooper, Senior Youth Worker, 01202 262285, p.cooper@poole.gov.uk. If you would like to speak to the current MYP contact the Deputy MYP, Lisa Ellaway, 01202 686965.