Brighton & Hove has become the first council in the country to sign up to The Power of Youth Charter – a venture that encourages organisations to empower more young people to shape decisions, take social action and make a positive difference.
Over 1,000 organisations from across the UK are signed up to the charter that pledges to make participation in social action the norm for young people aged 10 to 20.
The council’s Children, Young People and Skills committee made a unanimous decision to support the initiative. One of the first actions taken will be to invite councillors to mentor young people who want to learn about and be involved in local politics.
Councillor Hannah Clare, committee chair and former member of the UK Youth Parliament, said: “I’m thrilled that our council has demonstrated its commitment to encourage young people to get involved in issues that matter to them.
“We shouldn’t be making decisions about young people without young people. Action taken now affects their future and they should have a voice and be included in policy making”.
Ben Skinner, Brighton & Hove Youth Council, added: “Signing the charter shows that our city wants and values our contribution and gives a voice to those who desperately want to be heard.
“This means there is a now a mechanism in place for all young people, from all backgrounds and beliefs, to get involved in changing our society and environment for the better."
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