East Sussex Youth Cabinet set to get 20 new members

The Big Vote elections saw 14,258 votes cast for 39 candidates across 30 schools and colleges, with the winners being announced at a special event earlier this month. Those elected will represent their peers for up to two years, working hard to give them a voice among decision makers.

Ella Rozier and Libby Russell were two of the candidates elected to represent the Wealden area following the month-long election.

Libby said: “Just before I got the news that I was successful in my campaign, I was doubting whether I’d be up to all the work and if I could well represent my peers. But when I was told the good news, I knew I’d done right by myself and others by just standing, and I’m so proud of myself and grateful for this amazing opportunity to do good.”

Ella added: “Being elected to be a Youth Cabinet member was very special to me because it shows that even some of the quietest people have the opportunity to help change things for many people.”

The achievements of the previous Youth Cabinet include gaining more awareness and subscriptions to the 3i-D card and developing the scheme further. The ‘3i-D’ card functions as an identity card, offering additional discounts on bus travel. New discounts are being added in 2016 for shop and leisure outlets.

The cabinet also helped to create a new website for young people, www.c360.org.uk, by working with web designers and the county council to provide improved online information to young people, from advice and guidance to what groups and clubs are available.

They helped to organise the Inspire Youth Conference and workshops aimed helping young people to develop skills in campaigning to informing the development of Youth Cabinet campaigns.

At a national level, the Youth Cabinet’s UK Youth Parliament members have been active on helping to raise awareness of the importance of good quality mental health education and services in East Sussex and contributed to a national report, as part of the Youth Select Committee work into an audit of mental health services and provision.

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