May’s Somerset Youth Parliament meeting had a packed agenda, with exciting updates on the previous month’s meeting with Counsellor Mike Best, a visit from Public Health, preparation for Children’s Parliament Day in June and updates on the Active Bystanders project that the group has been working on. They’ve been busy!
Counsellor Mike Best
Following Somerset Youth Parliament’s meeting with Counsellor Mike Best (Deputy Chair of the Somerset Council) in April, members have been offered a spot on the next full council meeting agenda in July. A huge achievement for the group and for giving young people a platform to share their views with decision makers.
Counsellor Best is now arranging introductions with both the High Sheriff of Somerset, Peter Dixon and the current Lord Lieutenant, Mohammed Saddiq, later this month/early June, to learn more about each other’s work and roles, and explore ways to strengthen youth voice across the county.
Michelle Brookers, Local Community Network Link Officer at Somerset Council said of Somerset Youth Parliament and their achievements: “I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks. This really is a fortunate group, and I am genuinely hopeful that their voices, along with those of all young people in Somerset, will be heard and amplified through their actions. I believe they will inspire not only each other, but others across the County.”
Jameelah Ingram, Public Health
Jameelah Ingram (Health Improvement Manager – Public Health Consultant) also visited our May meeting to share some of the current priorities identified from the last Somerset Schools Survey. With thousands of responses, students and pupils can voice their priorities and concerns about health, wellbeing and education. As an extra bonus, the results of the survey helps to inform Somerset Youth Parliament’s work as representatives.
A focus group from Somerset Youth Parliament will be working with Jameelah to improve the issue of period hygiene in schools for young women. By providing information, raising awareness and promoting good practice in schools, girls and young women could have cleaner, accessible toilets and period products AND be treated with dignity and respect. This can remove barriers to education and wellbeing. The topic of period poverty and dignity was also raised by the UK Youth Parliament in the House of Commons last year, so it’s very timely.
Active Bystanders
Members of the group have been working on an Active Bystanders project for the Avon and Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership, producing graphics and animations as part of a social media campaign.
The content they’ve created will sit alongside school podcasts and will be ready to launch in Autumn. So, keep an eye out for the launch.
Somerset Members of Parliament Campaign Updates
Elected Somerset Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) Blake and Luca are finalising their surveys to gauge young people experiences and awareness of their campaign topics. These will be promoted on social media and in news for the next few weeks. Results will help inform and steer the campaign actions for both Blake and Luca.
Somerset Children’s Parliament
Youth Parliament is also preparing to support the annual Children’s Parliament Day in June, with several members attending to present to Primary school pupils, offering the opportunity to join Youth Parliament and run interactive activities.
Somerset Youth Parliament Updates
Many members are entering into their exam and revision period for the next few weeks, but the group agenda remains busy with other members stepping forward to engage and support as much as possible. To all young people currently preparing for and sitting their exams, we wish you the very best, you’ve got this.
And finally, as the group continues to expand, the members are currently revisiting the nature, the values, principles and structure of Somerset Youth Parliament to ensure everyone’s voice through regular quality assurance and democratic process.
Members are seeking more ownership in organising and running meetings, exploring roles, responsibilities and owning decision making.
Public Health
Public Health offer a range of funded training programmes available for Somerset Schools, Colleges and Children & Young People Practitioners. Our training supports settings to develop A Whole School & College Approach to Health and Wellbeing and links with The Somerset Health & Wellbeing Framework and supports the RSHE curriculum.
Visit the Somerset Health & Wellbeing Framework for more information.
