Young people in Northumberland can put themselves forward over the next month to represent their peers in the Youth Parliament and Youth Cabinet elections.
Anyone aged 13-19 living and attending school in Northumberland can nominate themselves as a candidate to stand on campaigns that would benefit young people.
There are two places available in the Northumberland Youth Parliament, which represents the county on a regional and national platform and brings attention to issues affecting young people.
Northumberland Youth Cabinet has five openings for members with a passion for bringing about social change. The cabinet represents young people’s views within the council and county, and has the ability to suggest policy changes to key decision makers and ways in which the council can work better for young people.
MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament) from across the country vote for their top national campaign annually. They have previously included mental health services for young people and votes for 16 and 17 year olds.
In previous years, members have taken their issues to Westminster in debates chaired by the Speaker, Rt Hon John Bercow MP in the House of Commons, getting the chance to sit on the prestigious green benches.
Councillor Wayne Daley, cabinet member for children’s services at Northumberland County Council said: “The Northumberland Youth Parliament provides an opportunity for young people to have a say about the issues that affect them and with over 6,000 votes last year, there is an increasing number of young people getting involved.
“Becoming involved in Northumberland Youth Parliament is a great opportunity for young people across Northumberland to gain experience of elections and the democratic process and I’m looking forward to hearing about the plans our potential candidates have for the county.”
Candidate nominations are open from now until noon on Friday 20 October.
From the week commencing Monday 30 October, candidates will campaign for votes and results will be announced on 6th December. Newly elected members will start their two year term of office on 29th January.
To request more information or to register your interest in standing for the youth elections call 01670 620320 or email participation@northumberland.