Passion, Priorities, and Politics at North Somerset Youth Parliament’s First Meeting

By Oliver M, 15, Jill Dando News Correspondent

Young people from across North Somerset gathered for the first time last week at Weston-super-Mare Town Hall to discuss their future and share the issues and concerns faced by thousands of young people across the region.

Each school and group involved was asked to send four students to present their own ideas from student and youth councils alike.

The event had a fantastic atmosphere, with young people excited to finally have their voices heard in the community and eager to seize every opportunity.

The meeting began with an introduction from North Somerset Council, including youth champion Cllr Thomas Daw of the Green Party, who was elected as North Somerset’s youngest ever councillor at the age of 20.

A video message from Weston-super-Mare’s MP, Dan Aldridge, followed, offering words of encouragement to the trailblazing young politicians and demonstrating his support for local youth initiatives.

Representatives attended from schools and groups including Clevedon School, St Katherine’s, and Weston Youth Council. They discussed a wide range of issues raised by the groups they represent — including youth voice, accessibility, and the lack of political education in preparation for the new voting age announced by the government in July.

Discussions were held in two groups — one of younger members and one of older members — before the full Youth Parliament reconvened to vote on three priority areas for the coming year.

The chosen issues were: inappropriate racist and hateful behaviour; a safer environment and streets; and improved mental health support with shorter waiting lists.

Over the next year, members will form three working groups to focus on improving North Somerset for young people in these areas.

One representative from Worle Community School said they were “really excited to be getting to work” and that they “really want to turn the tables for young people in the community.”

The initiative is set to make a significant difference for young people across North Somerset, promising to provide equal opportunities for those in rural areas as well as those living in larger towns such as Portishead.

The Youth Parliament will also elect members into leadership positions — choosing two leaders and two representatives to take North Somerset’s young voices to a national stage.