Royal Greenwich Showcase Triumph of Democracy As Young People Elect Their Reps

by our RBG Correspondent | Woolwich

Young people in schools and youth hubs across the Royal Borough used their democratic voice to elect a new group of 22 young people to give a voice to other young people in the borough and represent their views.

* Greenwich councillors with newly elected GYPC
members. (Credit: RGB)

Nearly 6,000 votes were cast in this month’s elections for the Greenwich Young People’s Council (GYPC) – meaning the turnout among young people who were eligible to vote was over 49 per cent. 

The results were announced at Woolwich Public Hall on Tuesday 24 November. It followed voting in 16 borough schools and youth hubs over three days in November. 

The event also saw the launch of a new film about GYPC, featuring the outgoing members. The film is now available to view on the GYPC Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GreenwichYPC.

The 22 newly-elected members of Greenwich Young People’s Council (GYPC) will serve a term of office for two years. They will set out a manifesto for action, looking to influence decision-making by the Council and other local agencies, to ensure they reflect the views and needs of young people. 

Nominations were open to young people aged 11– 19, or up to 25 for disabled young people, and a total of 58 candidates put themselves forward for election. The young voters were able to support only candidates who went to their own school or youth hub. 

Newly-elected youth councillor Ryan Dunkeley, 17, from Woolwich and a student at Royal Greenwich UTC, said: “I intend to focus on employment for young people. A major problem these days is the struggle to find work. Hopefully I will be able to help organise more work experience for them in different areas of work, with local firms.” 

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

* Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich,
Cllr John Fahy (Centre) led Royal Greenwich Councillors
to see the newly elected GYPC members.
(Credit: RBG).

The new youth councillors are expected to commit around four hours per week to represent other young people to help make a difference in the community. Youth councillors also get the opportunity to develop skills and gain experience, receive free training, coaching and mentoring, and go on trips both inside and outside the borough. 

Cllr John Fahy, Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, was at the ceremony to present the new young councillors with their certificates. 

He said: “I am looking forward to working with the Youth Councillors to achieve their ambitions for young people. I hope that they will be at the heart of the decision-making process. I will work tirelessly with colleagues to ensure that their priorities and aspirations can be met.”

More information about Greenwich Young People’s Council is at :

www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/gypc.