Change Makers

On Thursday 4th November 2021 Wirral Youth Voice Group are inviting young people from across Wirral to join in an online discussion to talk about the issues that matter most to you.

In anticipation of this we sat down with members of Wirral’s Youth Voice Group to discuss how they got involved in Youth Parliament and why it matters.

Olivia and Leo are two of representatives of Wirral Youth Parliament.

Olivia

“We can make the changes we want to see in our lives and communities.”

How did you get involved in local Youth Parliament?

Olivia: I was part of Wirral Youth Voice group and as I was growing in confidence and taking a more active role in the group it was suggested I run as a candidate for Youth Parliament. I was really nervous at first having to write a manifesto but I gained so much from the experience and it has given me the opportunity to explore and bring awareness to some really important issues.

Leo: I came to Youth Parliament through a totally different way! I was reading local news paper and saw an advertisement looking for young people to run as candidates for youth parliament. I guess I saw the advertisement at the perfect time as I had been thinking seriously about politics recently in particular around the environment and the effects of climate change. I thought it would be an opportunity I couldn’t miss and decided to give it a shot.

Leo

“You can make change happen. People listen when you speak so don’t be silent.”

You mentioned you had to write a manifesto. What is a manifesto and how did you find writing one?

Olivia: A manifesto is a written declaration of the intentions, motives, or views of what you want to address and bring attention too. I was really scared doing it at first but being part of the Youth Voice Group I had loads of people around me to help to get it out of my head and onto paper. It really helped me to figure out the issues that matter most to me and that I feel others need to know about too.

Leo: I wrote my manifesto on my own. It was challenging but I really enjoyed laying out my intentions.

What were your manifestos about?

Olivia: I originally started focusing my manifesto around mental health for young people which is a really important topic but I have also taken a real interest in Period Poverty as it is something I believe strongly that should not be happening. Periods are a normal part of growing up and access to period products should not be seen as luxury items. I’m working to make period poverty a thing of the past.

Leo: I am passionate about the environment and its protection. Climate change is such an important issue that we as young people will feel the effects of most. I feel it is vital we take action against climate change now and young people are key in making change happen.

Why do you think young people should get involved in politics?

Olivia: It’s vital young people take an interest as the actions and decisions made now impact most up us. Young people need to know that they do have a voice and it has a place to be heard. We can make the changes we want to see in our lives and communities.

Leo: Taking part in politics makes sure that you have your say on the issues that matter most to you. You can make change happen. People listen when you speak so don’t be silent.

To find out more on how you can take part in Youth Parliament or Wirral Youth Voice Group contact Claire Parr.

Time to Talk, Wirral’s Virtual Youth Parliament discussion is taking place on November 4th, 7pm - 9 pm. To take part please complete the following registration for the event registration form.