Haringey Youth Council Champions Young Voices in Full Council Meeting
Young representatives passionately debated key issues and successfully passed a motion reaffirming council support for youth democratic participation.
By Emily Carmichael
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of a diverse group of young people participating in a council meeting.
Nineteen members of the Haringey Youth Council presented their views on critical issues to the Full Council, leading to a unanimous motion reaffirming support for youth engagement.
Young people from the Haringey Youth Council passionately addressed a range of topics during a recent Full Council meeting. Discussions covered mental health, youth safety, crime, discrimination, support for those with SEND, education, employment opportunities, financial literacy, and assistance for care leavers.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the unanimous passing of a motion proposed by Cllr Georgia Twigg, Cabinet Member for Children and Schools. This motion formally reiterates the council's dedication to preserving the Haringey Youth Council and fostering greater democratic involvement among young residents. It also welcomes the prospect of extending voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds.
The motion commits the council to sustained support for youth engagement initiatives, future Youth Council elections, and continuous consultation with young people on matters impacting their lives.
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"The Youth Council takeover was a powerful reminder of the passion, insight and commitment of young people across Haringey. As Youth Council member Hassy said, 'change starts yesterday' - a message that captures the urgency and ambition young people bring to discussions about the future of our borough. The issues raised were thoughtful, honest and deeply important, and it's vital that we continue to listen to and work alongside young residents when making decisions that affect their lives. By supporting the Youth Council and championing opportunities for young people to participate in democracy, we are helping ensure that the next generation has a genuine voice in shaping the future of our borough."
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"This Full Council meeting was necessary for us young people to be able to speak up about what matters to us. We hope our views have been listened to, and we hope the council will act upon what we have said. We look forward to continuing our work with the council to help shape decisions affecting the young people across Haringey."
The Haringey Youth Council serves young people aged 11 to 18, and those with SEND up to the age of 25. It provides a crucial platform for them to influence local services, policies, and priorities within the borough.
