Royal Greenwich Offers Young People The Chance To Be Heard

* Cllr John Fahy

by our RGB correspondent | Woolwich

Young people in the Royal Borough of Greenwich are being urged to step forward and seek nomination to serve on a local body that gives a voice to young people’s concerns and priorities.

With elections taking place next month to Greenwich Young People’s Council (GYPC), young people are being asked to come forward to stand as youth councillors.

GYPC is the borough-wide group that gives a voice to young people and children so they can influence decision making within the Royal Borough. Anyone who lives or studies in the borough and is aged 11 – 19 (up to 25 for disabled young people) is eligible to stand. The results will be announced on 24 November.

GYPC initiatives are designed to raise awareness and involve young people in politics, democracy and citizenship. Members do this by working together to produce an annual manifesto and delivering an action plan, which focuses on the key issues that affect the lives of young people in Royal Greenwich.

Every young person who attends a school or college in the borough or who uses Royal Greenwich Youth Services is eligible to stand in the election. Elected youth councillors are expected to commit around four hours per week. They serve a term of office for two years.

Outgoing GYPC member Sadia Balogun, 16, said: “GYPC is an important vessel in which the opinions of young people are carried to the people and places where change can happen. It allows for the collaboration of multiple young people and is an opportunity to gain important life skills, as well as be a positive influence in the community.”

Cllr John Fahy, Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “It is important for the Council to know what young people are thinking as we plan our services for the borough. If you think you can contribute by becoming a youth councillor, then why not give it a go?”

If you are interested in standing as a youth councillor, or would like your school to be involved, please email Josh Harsant: josh@participationpeople.com.

Young people can also contact Josh for advice and support on writing their manifestos and planning their campaign.

For more information, visit: www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/gypc or check GreenwichYPC on Twitter or Facebook.