BUDDING politicians in Worcestershire’s Youth Cabinet have launched their new manifesto as part of UK Parliament Week.
Locally and nationally elected politicians within the county were on hand to support the group as they shared their priority subjects for their next term at an event in the Hive, Worcester last Saturday (November 23).
Councillor Steve Mackay, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, and Worcester MP Tom Collins chipped in at the event.
The counties Youth Cabinet manifesto was developed directly from what young people in Worcestershire voted on as part of the Make Your Mark campaign.
Top issues included improving mental health support and hospital experiences for young people, as well as tackling knife crime.
Youth Cabinet member and deputy vice chair Cameron led the event in the absence of Chair Anusha Salhan, with other members Rhys, Tyler, Lexi and Annabelle, stepping up to contribute.
In a foreword as part of Youth Cabinet’s manifesto launch, chair Anusha Salhan had said: “This year, our cabinet has expanded not only in size, but also in our desire to achieve much more.
“We have undertaken a range of projects that address critical issues on the minds of young people today. Issues such as health and wellbeing, crime and safety, and education.
“It is of vital importance we continue to tackle the recurrent desire to improve mental health support and hospital experiences as well as knife crime.
“Looking ahead, I am keen to see how we can make tangible changes by collaborating closely with key stakeholders, including MP’s and councillors, with whom we have already started productive conversations.
“Our ambition is to ensure that we can make a real and lasting impact on the lives of young people across the county, ensuring that their voices are not only heard, but acted upon.
“I am excited to see where the next year will take us, and I am confident that we can continue to build a brighter future for young people in our community.”
Councillor Steve Mackay, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, expressed his pleasure at joining the Youth Cabinet at their manifesto launch, highlighting how pleased he was that support youngsters with SEND was a priority for the group.
He added: “It was great to see so many young people so passionate and invested in politics, and looking to make a real difference in several key areas for young people.”
Worcester MP Tom Collins echoed Coun Mackay’s sentiments regarding the groups passion and highlighted that young people in the country are ready to step up and work together for change.
Mr Collins added: “I was incredibly encouraged by the Youth Cabinet members’ leadership, clarity of thinking and collaborative approach.”
There was further representation at the event from NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Worcestershire County Council’s SEND & Partnership Committee and Play Worcester.
Contact the Young Voice Team at [email protected] for more information on Worcestershire’s Youth Cabinet.
