Somerset’s Youth Parliament is seeking nominations from young people wishing to become a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP).

Nationally, over 300 elected representatives work with central and local government to make sure young people’s voices are heard. Supported by the county council, Somerset MYPs campaign on a range of issues, advise, represent, give grants and are consulted by decision makers.

Students aged 11 to 18 who live or attend school or college in Somerset can put themselves forward to be the county’s next MYPs. To do this, they should complete a short online form available at www.somerset.gov.uk/myp by Friday, November 5.

Elections and voting will take place in December with newly elected MYPs taking up office on March 1 and serving a two-year term.

Somerset MYP Hanna Wittek said: “Equality, respect and fairness defineSomerset Youth Parliament’s core values. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of background, ability and interests. The main things are that you care and want to influence change.”

Three MYPs and three deputies will be selected through a vote. Candidates will be invited to an ‘Election Speech Day’ event, which will be supported by county council leader Cllr David Fothergill and Cllr Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for children and families.

The selected young people will work alongside current MYPs and deputies to learn their roles and create campaign manifestos. They are offered training, development and experiences to fast-track their learning, communication and understanding of British values and democracy.

Cllr Nicholson said: “Due to Covid-19, the official term of office of Somerset’s current elected MYPs was extended by an extra year. They‘ve worked really hard during that time and achieved a great amount, platforming youth voice and their campaigns since 2018.

“It’s so important to involve young people in decision making. Standing for the Youth Parliament is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and make a difference.

“I’d like to encourage young people to apply, and I very much look forward to meeting nominees on Election Speech Day in December.”

Somerset Youth Parliament is a non-party political group, affiliated with the British Youth Council and part of the national UK Youth Parliament and supported by Somerset County Council.

For information about UK Youth Parliament and the work of the national British Youth Council, visit www.byc.org.uk/uk/uk-youth-parliament

To find out more about Somerset Youth Parliament group and local campaigns, email Kate Darlington at [email protected].