Doors open for Youth Council nominations

If you have ever wanted to be the voice of your generation, now is your chance.

Young people in Islington can have a hand in representing thousands of other young people in the borough by running for election as a youth councillor.

If you are aged between 13 and 17, live in Islington or go to one of its schools, or are looked after by the council, the doors are open for you to get involved.

Every two years, 12 youth councillors are elected to represent the young people of Islington. It is a great opportunity to have your say and make the borough a better place for people your age.

Youth councillors work to make sure the views of young people in the borough are heard, influencing local policy and playing an active role in commissioning services.

They advocate the views of local children and young people to the council and its partners on issues and decisions that affect them, help decide how money is spent on services, and aim to improve the range and quality of activities and places for children young people to go.

Once elected, the youth council will choose four priorities. In the 2014-16 term these were youth provision, youth employment, health and well-being and career and education planning.
In the past few years Islington Youth Council has achieved, among other things:

• A highly commended, formal submission to Islington’s Employment Commission report, which included feedback from youth councillors on their experiences of careers education and guidance;

• Made sure that issues for young people around physical and mental health have been included and considered in the council’s five-year health strategy.

• Attended Full Council meetings and quizzed council leaders on priorities and issues of concern to young people.

Cllr Joe Caluori, Islington Council's executive member for children and families, said: "As well as making your voice heard, influencing the decision-makers and helping ensure the best possible youth provision for all young people in Islington, there are many personal advantages to being a youth councillor.

“It can help improve your confidence and can lead to a nationally recognised vInspired volunteering award.

"The current youth council has done a superb job telling us and the local organisations we work with what matters to young people here – and holding us to account to improve the services we provide."

Applications to stand as a youth councillor open on 1 September, and the deadline for applications is 1 October.

Successful applicants must then attend one of two information sessions on either Tuesday, 6 October, at Platform youth hub or on Wednesday, 7 October, at Lift youth hub (both run 4.30-6.30pm).

The Youth Council election will take place on Wednesday, 25 November, with the results announced the following day.

Last time, nearly 5,000 young people voted in the elections and the council is keen to see even more young people to turn out and have their say this year.

Find out more at www.izzy-info.com/youthcouncil.