That’s a question I’m sure those of us who’ve grown up in Somerset have asked at some point. In this article Lara, member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group looks at this question.
I’ve lived on Exmoor for 10 years, and in Somerset for 12, so I think it’s safe to say I grew up here. I really love my home, beautiful sights, amazing wildlife and wonderful friends and family, but since leaving college I’ve been looking for work elsewhere.
I want to get an apprenticeship within the media/film industry, but the only opportunities I find close to home are in Bristol, and extremely competitive. There are plenty of reasons I want to stay here, but leaving oftentimes seems to outweigh them, and as I apply for future opportunities it’s got me thinking… why do people stay in Somerset?
It’s a conversation the group have had many times before, as it seems to be a prevalent issue for our young people, and I personally think it’s routed in a few key issues: job opportunities, transport and social spaces.
I’m most directly affected by the first problem. There isn’t an easy way to get into the career I’m interested in whilst staying local, and to get further qualifications I’d also have to leave home. With more local job opportunities, apprenticeships and university courses available to our young people, we would be able to choose a career locally and develop our skills and interests whilst staying at home.
Transport is probably what most widely affects our population in the South West. If you don’t live in or really close to a town, getting to work, school and seeing your friends is made infinitely harder and you quickly become reliant on someone in your life who can drive. Before getting my license, I was restricted to when the drivers in my life were available to get me to places, which isn’t a problem for those living in a city. With more accessible transport more people would be inclined to stay as their lives would be simpler.
Finally, the problem more widely affecting young people without access to school clubs/ activities is social spaces. This is definitely a more difficult fix, especially with UK nightlife dying out in more recent years and the cost of living crisis leaving people with less coins in their purse to spend going out, but I’d argue this is why we need those spaces more. When not working, our young people need safe spaces to spend time with friends, meet new people and develop new skills and hobbies. I’ve found making friends more difficult since leaving school as there aren’t the same shared spaces I had growing up, and it increases the feeling of isolation that drives people away from the countryside.
What would make you stay in Somerset? Is there something you think I’ve missed?
Lara
Not just elected members
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, visit our Join Us page.
