September can be a difficult month, after studying for and sitting exams, getting your exam results, returning to school and college or starting college and university or working. We can all struggle to stay positive, focused, we may have difficulty sleeping or we may be worrying about lots of different things.

At the early September Somerset Youth Parliament meeting, Kate Darlington, the Engagement and Participation Officer that supports and develops Somerset Youth Parliament, suggested that members should do an exercise in reflecting on the positive things that are happening in their lives.

We can anxiously obsess about what we want or the roadblocks in our way, but doing an exercise in appreciating what you have and what’s going well, reminding us of our privilege, becoming aware of the love, safety and support around us and recognising the positive experiences and events our lives is a really great way to help us rebalance and recentre.

Below are some of the things that our Somerset Members of Youth Parliament, our deputy and members of the advisory group are grateful for:

I’m incredibly grateful for my support system which includes my close friends and immediate family. As a lot of my friends begin to move off to uni I’m seeing the true value in my close friendships that have stood the test of time and the way we’re able to lift each other up even in a time of extreme change.

Lara

At the moment I am very grateful for Somerset Council’s Engagement and participation team. Without their continued support and dedication, I wouldn’t be able to achieve many of the things that I have been able to. Whether that’s in education or in having a platform to make Somerset a better place for children and young people I wouldn’t be where I am without the support I have received.

Josh

I’m so grateful to my parents who lend me money when my wages haven’t been paid. My employer keeps forgetting and paying me late!

James

At the moment, I feel incredibly grateful to feel safe within my home, with family members who support me through my highs and lows. I know many don’t have this, and I don’t what I would do without people to turn to for advice!

Ellie

I am grateful for having the opportunity to represent the young people of Somerset as it has given me a forum to meet new people and discuss some very important issues. I am also very thankful for all of the work that the staff of Youth Parliament put in to facilitate our campaigns!

Emma

I’m grateful for my ma. I’m grateful for my willingness. I’m grateful that I know I can!

Abi

Join Somerset Youth Parliament

Youth Parliament includes elected Members of Youth Parliament and an Advisory Group which anyone can join if they are between 10 and 25 years old, and they live, work or attend a school in the county.

To join us, visit our Join Us page and fill in our application form.