When speaking about the next generation, we are told that more young people need to be politically aware. We agree with this. But we also agree that this generation is as engaged as any. By way of example, whereas the recent West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner elections has a turnout rate of 10.3%, and the Worcestershire Youth Cabinet turn out rate was 14%. Although both percentages indicate that much work needs to be invested, and that there is no room for complacency, it brings around a positive message for youth democracy in Worcestershire.

The past year has been a really busy one for Worcestershire Youth Cabinet, and we are really pleased to announce that the Youth Cabinet elections will be finally held in the autumn of this year.

Worcestershire Youth Cabinet is a democratically elected youth-led organisation with members aged 11 to 18. We aim to provide the young people of Worcestershire with a voice that is listened to by local, regional and national government, providers of services for young people, and any other agency who have a concern in the interests and opinions of young people. 

We work cross party and with multiple agencies to advise and assist them with any relevant youth issues. This could be to carry out a consultation on their behalf, advise on accessibility of services and surrounding information, and to share good practice of effective youth involvement.

Elected members are in office for a three-year term, and get to spend their time working on their election manifesto pledges as well as any other opportunities that they may wish to get involved with. In the Wyre Forest, we have 5 active members, of which two members serve as the Cabinet's Vice Chair elect and it's Secretary, respectively. 

Individual members may also engage with other opportunities on a local, national and even international scale with partners such as the United Kingdom Youth Parliament, the British Youth Council, the ContinU Trust, Positive Activities Commissioning and many other agencies and services.

Since my election in March 2013, I have been thoroughly delighted to have seen youth participation develop both in the Wyre Forest and in Worcestershire. 

Over the last twelve months elected young people have been working with agencies such as the Local Economic Partnership to develop an online web-portal aimed at giving young people the opportunity to undergo a work experience placement with one of Worcestershire's strategic business such as Worcester Bosch or Malvern Instruments, of which over 100 placements have been secured since it's launch in March 2013.

We are also currently working alongside Wyre Forest District Council to create a District Youth Council and Young Peoples' Mayor which would shadow the adult council on issues such as health, planning and environment and young peoples engagement, and be able to deliver their own project working alongside other agencies, whether it be a skate park or a youth cafe.

One of the most important parts our work is holding our elections. This ensures that Worcestershire Youth Cabinet is sustainable in the long-term and makes sure that we have an active new intake of young people to take youth voice in the Wyre Forest and Worcestershire forward.

Being a member of Worcestershire Youth Cabinet is a really exciting opportunity, and I encourage as many young people who are aged between 11 and 18 to think about standing for election. I can promise you that you will not regret it.

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