Since you’re here, you must believe as strongly as me in the importance of involving young people in politics.
It will make our country a true democracy. And as part of the Young NCB Advisory Group, we have so many fantastic opportunities to speak up in society. We speak up even more - Youth Parliament.
This March I’m running to be the Youth Member of Parliament in West Suffolk. What does this mean?
- I’ve chosen three manifesto topics to highlight, not party politics.
- If elected, I’ll be the youth voice for my area, taking issues to the House of Commons.
- I’ll be in touch with Suffolk teens in order to promote political awareness.
In short, I’ll make sure the views of young people in Suffolk are represented. Although I might be the one working with charities, meeting with local MPs and debating in the Commons, I believe it’s the views of all young people that are the most important.
So I want to encourage you to vote for me in the upcoming election.
Let’s talk about my campaign.
Social media and young people’s mental health
Mental health affects everyone. A vulnerability that touches schools, the workplace and homes all across the country is something I want to tackle.
Social media is thought to be more addictive than alcohol or cigarettes according to Royal Society for Public Health, with 91% of 16-24 year olds using social networking daily.
Evidence shows this can contribute to rising anxiety and depression levels in young people, with 50% of mental illnesses developing before the age of 14.
I’ll be tackling this by creating an online campaign partnering with local charities, using social media itself to raise awareness. Because social media can be beautiful – a contemporary art form – and we can use it for the many advantages, whilst still remaining safe and well.
Votes at 16
As a 16 year-old, I can join the forces, get married, and pay tax. We receive some benefits of adulthood without the most imperative function: the right to vote.
I want to see St Edmundsbury Council come out in support of the cause, joining other local assemblies such as Oxford and Manchester.
Young people can then be involved with decisions on issues such as education, the NHS and the environment, which will undoubtedly affect all our futures.
The ‘diversity deficit’
Here in Suffolk, as of 2015, over 95% of the Suffolk population came from white ethnic backgrounds.
Don’t you agree that in a county where diversity is at a concerningly low level, we should be encouraging inclusion to promote a more tolerant society?
In England and Wales, hate crimes have increased by 29% in the last year. Suffolk students have little experiences of other cultures and religions – something I’ll try to change with my School Swap idea, whereby schools and colleges develop relationships with sister schools in more diverse areas.
If you live in Bury St Edmunds or West Suffolk and are aged between 11-18 then vote for me on March 5th 2018.
As the Youth Parliament member for Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk, I’ll be full of enthusiasm, determination, and will of course involve young people throughout my term.