Two budding politicians are relishing their roles representing the voices of their peers after being elected to Wolverhampton Youth Council - and are striving to improve recycling rates, tackle knife crime and raise awareness of mental health during the year ahead.
Anna Tabner and Libby Pauley, both Sixth Form students, attended a presentation evening celebrating their elections to the Youth Council, where Anna delivered a speech about getting the most out of the experience.
They were also presented with certificates by the City’s Mayor, Councillor Claire Darke, during the event.
The Youth Council, which formed in 2001, has evolved into a group for young people to make sure their views are considered by decision makers in Wolverhampton, as well as providing extra scrutiny for councillors.
Anna and Libby are among dozens of students from across Wolverhampton who will represent the views of all of the city’s young people as they confront decision makers about issues affecting their communities.
They were voted to represent Highfields by members of the school’s Head Team after submitting application letters outlining their aspirations.
It is the third year Anna has been elected to sit on the council, making her one of its longest serving members. She said: “Last year I held the role of Chair which meant hat I was in charge of running meetings and ensuring that everyone had an equal voice. This year I have stepped down from this position in order to do more effective work within the Youth Council without the added pressure of being Chair.
“As a member of the youth council I have attended and taken part in some of the scrutiny panels within the council which allows me to have detailed conversations with the elected councillors and employed directors to co-design and co-produce the best possible strategies regarding young people in the city.
“Scrutiny panels that I have attended include Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel, and Scrutiny Board. “Wolverhampton Youth Council has many different goals that we are consistently striving to achieve, which include increasing recycling in schools, protecting the environment, tackling knife crime and raising awareness about mental health.
“A personal goal of mine is to help to ensure a good standard of education for all young people in the city, includingthose in Elective Home Education.
“Recently, we had a declaration event where we welcomed new members into the youth council and as oneof its longest serving members, I delivered a speech about getting the best possible experience out of it.
“I encouraged the members to get involved with as much as they could. Wolverhampton Youth Council is constantly being invited to meetings and events on both a local and national scale so there is so much for new members to do to make the most out of their position.”
