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Case Study - Young people shape the future of Somerset

It is our aim to involve young people in decision making to shape the future of Somerset. The Somerset Youth Parliament plays a vital role in this.

 

Background

 

The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) is a group of young people who work together to make young people's lives better in their local communities and for young people all over the country.

 

Somerset has three UKYP representatives that stand for election each year.  Once elected Members work with young people, councillors, schools and young councils and peer group members on issues that matter to most local young people.  The Somerset Youth Parliament publishes a manifesto annually and has organised countywide forums on issues of their choice.

Students
Students

 

How is it making a difference in Somerset?

 

The Somerset Youth Parliament is making a difference to young people and the future of Somerset by giving young people an opportunity to voice their concerns on local issues. Also it gives young people the practice to exercise their democratic right to vote. In December 2008 The Somerset Youth Parliament organised a Climate Change Conference to give young people the opportunity to discuss, challenge and suggest ideas on how Somerset is tackling climate change.

 

The young people at the conference made recommendations on what they can do and what local authorities can do to tackle climate change, these included:

  • Raising awareness and giving young people more education on how individuals can minimise their carbon footprint.  For instance by creating simple leaflet of 10 little things people can do to help climate change.
  • Creating opportunities for young people to be more proactive in local communities to set specific climate change aims that are achieveable.  Including linking up with Transition Towns in local areas.  A Transition Town is a community group working together to address Climate Change.
  • Encouraging young people to be politically active and put pressure on local councils to make changes for the better.

 

As a result of the conference the Environment Leaders Group has asked a Somerset UKYP representative to attend their meetings. Also young people were invited to be involved in  Transition Towns at an event in May 2009.  As well as visits being organised for young people to eco-homes and communities and an ECO 'Homes for Good' show to provide educatuib to young people on how they can reduce their carbon footprint.

 

The Somerset Youth Parliament will continue to push forward the recommendations from the conference and support young people to take political action and be involved in local communities to tackle the issue of climate change.

 

For more information

 

For more information on the Somerset Youth Parlament and its activities visit www.somersetyouth.co.uk or contact Paul Schimmin at pschimmin@somerset.gov.uk or on 01823 410136.