Deputy Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Craig Collingswood (front), the Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council Councillor Stephen Simkins (standing left), councillors, youth councillors and other young people came together in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre
Members of the City of Wolverhampton Youth Council and other youth groups found out about local politics at a replica Full Council meeting.
Deputy Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Craig Collingswood, the Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins, councillors, youth councillors and other young people came together in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre.
The mock Full Council enabled the city’s ‘youth voice’ to experience what it’s like to be a councillor, and how the role impacts on decisions made for the city.
Youth councillors came prepared with 3 reports and recommendations about issues of concern that affect the younger population in the city:
the My Tomorrow Campaign developed by young people and highlights the challenges around youth violence
drug and alcohol support services for children and young people
and gambling harm, affecting children and young people.
Deputy Mayor Councillor Collingswood said: “It was absolutely delightful to be with the young people, who are all an absolute credit to their families, schools and education.
“Listening, speaking and accepting other people’s points of view is a big step on the path of democracy and I’m looking forward to them all getting more involved in local politics.”
Councillor Simkins added: “This event was thoroughly delightful and refreshing, and it was my privilege to meet everyone.
“In my mind, there is no distinction between our elected councillors and our youth councillors – we have all been democratically elected – and my intention is that we have more of these meetings each year.”
Youth Councillor Hephzibah Kalapala said: “Participating in a full voice event, where young people like myself, debated policies that directly impact our generation among influential councillors and politicians, was a truly remarkable experience providing an invaluable insight into the world of politics.
“Furthermore, the opportunity to contribute to real conversations shaping society has deepened my passion for political engagement and reinforced my commitment as well as other young people to making a difference.”
Fellow Youth Councillor Princess Williams added: “Our voice was heard, our opinion valued. Today, I knew I was part of something bigger.”
The session followed the inauguration of this year’s Youth Council, which saw 49 successful candidates – who attend schools across the city – officially announced by at a special event held in the Council Chamber.
The Youth Council and other voice groups are the voice of young people in the city. During their term, youth councillors work closely with local young people and services to understand their issues and raise concerns by representing young people locally and nationally, getting involved in the Youth Council and other local youth forums, attending events and organising special projects, and influencing and steering strategic decisions that affect young people in the city.