Islington welcomes new Young Mayor, Deputy Young Mayor and Members for London Youth Assembly

The four young people were elected by their fellow youth councillors, and hold office for a year.  Rosie and Melissa will represent Islington’s Youth Council at regional young mayor meetings, civic events and awards.

Youth councillors are responsible for making sure the opinions of young people in Islington are heard, and campaign for the needs and interests of young people. Youth councillors also work with council officers and councillors to ensure young people have a key role in planning, designing, delivering and reviewing services.

Rosie said: “I am both proud and honoured to have been elected as the Young Mayor of Islington. My fellow youth councillors have given me a great privilege that I very much appreciate. I promise to serve the young people of Islington to the best of my abilities and offer everything that I have to give. I take this responsibility very seriously and can ensure that all young people will have their voice heard and that change will happen.”

Melissa said: "It's empowering being part of the Youth Council - it really emphasises how important young people voices are.  To be elected as Deputy Youth Mayor is such an amazing role to be in, and I will continue in this role and my role as a youth councillor, to use my position to amplify young people’s voices and make sure that their opinions are heard."

Despite the challenges of Covid-19, in 2020-21 youth councillors took part in 60 events, including making videos for the Children’s Society and to help support Islington’s young people. For instance, today (Tuesday 9^th March) Rosie will be co-chairing a Youth Forum with the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families which will include hearing from young people being supported with by the Targeted Youth Support service and beyond.

Cllr Michelline Safi Ngongo, Islington’s Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “I congratulate Rosie, Melissa, Salman and Kacper on being elected. Islington’s Youth Council has a hugely important part to play in our community.

“Young people have been hit hard by the difficulties of Covid-19 and lockdown and the role of the Youth Council is more vital than ever.

“As we work to make our borough a fairer place it’s vital we listen to our young people - our future - and I look forward to working closely with them over the next year.”

The Islington Youth Council is elected every two years, and the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor change annually to give more Youth Councillors the opportunity to hold office.

Find out more about Islington Youth Council at izzy-info.com or follow them on Instagram.com/IslingtonYC or Twitter @IslingtonYC