Cumberland Council wants to hear from people who could be the voice of youth in the Petteril area.
The area’s Community Panel is creating a pioneering group of young people who will advise it. The group will provide youth-focused feedback on local issues and flag up what they think is important.
The initiative is the first of its kind for the council, and is seen as an innovative way of ensuring young people are included at the heart of local decision making.
Justin McDermott, Cumberland’s portfolio holder for Public Health and Communities, and Vice Chair of the Petteril Community Panel, said: “I am really excited about how we are bringing younger voices into the democratic process here in Petteril.
“I think their input will be invaluable, and hopefully it could also encourage more young people into local government. People often tell me there's little for young people to do. This is a perfect opportunity to get involved in something different, challenging and really important - I encourage people with an interest in their community to get in touch.”
The group will include up to ten 14-17-year-olds, who must live in the panel area. They will meet at least quarterly, but may be asked to contribute at other times when there are issues that need their input.
There is also an ambition that in the future two members of the group will be co-opted onto the full Community Panel.
Because participants must be under 18, a parent or carer must contact the council on their behalf to express an interest. They should send the child’s name, age and postcode, as well as their own contact details, to [email protected]
Anyone who is interested should get in touch by 30 April.
The Petteril Community Panel covers the wards of Botcherby, Currock, Harraby South, Harraby North, and Upperby. Anyone unsure whether they live in the panel area should contact the community development team on the email address above.