Youth Cabinet - Merthyr Tydfil Borough Wide Youth Forum
Winner
The Youth Cabinet use a rights-based approach to provide a bi-monthly safe space for young people to speak openly about their experiences. They learn skills to empower themselves and develop confidence, as well as how to use their voice to influence others.
As part of their work, they have lobbied the local council to make democratic campaigning more inclusive. This has resulted in giving young people aged 11 to 23 the opportunity to put themselves forward as Youth Mayor and have a vote. They have also improved service provision for young people by working as a team to train adults that work with children and young people about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the National Participation Standards.
The judges were very impressed with the young people’s dedication and commitment; going over and above to volunteer and ensure that young people get their voice heard.