The panel featured the Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council Councillor Stephen Simpkins, Leader of the Opposition Councillor Simon Bennett, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Wolverhampton North East MP Sureena Brackenridge, Wolverhampton West MP Warinder Juss, and Alison Hinds, the council’s Executive Director of Families. Pat McFadden MP sent apologies but contributed a video message responding to questions from young people.
The event was coordinated by the Council’s Co‑production and Youth Engagement Team with panel members facing questions from an audience of 28 young people covering themes including crime and safety, equalities and discrimination, education, and health and wellbeing.
Specific topics raised included the SEND White Paper, how to make Wolverhampton feel safer for young people, and the importance of PSHE in preparing young people for adult life.
Wolverhampton Youth MP Sienna Ahir, who chaired the discussion, said: “Our first ever UK Parliament Week panel was a huge success for youth voice in our city. It was great to access decision makers directly, and have a platform to share our experiences.”
Councillor Simkins added: “It’s vital that young people have the opportunity to challenge decision makers directly and share their views, and this Question Time event showed the strength of youth voice in Wolverhampton.”
Wolverhampton Youth Voice brings together members from a range of forums including the Youth Council, Children in Care Council, Care Leavers Independence Collective, Family on Board, and HY5, a special educational needs and disabilities forum. Together, they represent their peers, contribute views, and advocate for children and young people across the city.
For further information about Wolverhampton Youth Voice groups please visit Yo! Wolves | Get Involved.