Northumberland’s young people encouraged to get involved in democracy

Northumberland’s 11 to 19-year olds will this week take part in Local Democracy Week to help them understand the importance of democracy and how they can get involved.

Every year, councillors and officers head into Northumberland’s Middle, High and Secondary schools to meet young people and talk about how the council works, what it does and how councillors are involved, and this year is no different – albeit virtually.

Councillor Barry Flux, Business Chair said: “Our young people are our future, and for them to understand the importance of democracy within our communities is crucial for democracy in years to come.

“It is an opportunity for them to have their say on what happens within their communities, speak up for their beliefs and help open up opportunities for other young people in the county.”

Local Democracy Week is a way of helping young people to become a part of civic life and to have a voice on the issues that they are passionate about and that matter in their local communities.

It gives them a chance to learn about the election process, who to reach out to if they are concerned about something in their area and how they can get involved with their local authority.

Councillor Gordon Stewart, Deputy Business Chair said: “We want to hear from young people in our communities, they have great ideas and can play a key part in decisions going forward.”

Young people can get involved with the Council in a number of ways:

• The Northumberland Youth Parliament aims to give young people a voice and help bring change. Members of the Youth Parliament are elected by their peers in Northumberland based on their manifestos for improving the county; what they are passionate about and the changes they would like to see. They will go on to represent Northumberland on a regional and national platform working closely with the youth cabinet.
• The Northumberland Youth Cabinet is an elected body of 11 to 19-year-olds, representing the views of young people across Northumberland. The youth cabinet will take issues raised on a local level to councillors and officers, with an aim to influence change.

For more information on how to get involved visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/youthservice