A FLEDGLING Youth Council meets for the first time tomorrow. The body, the first to represent all young people across the Island, has arisen from last November’s UCount2, a forum for young people hosted by the Youth Service, a division of the Department of Education and Children. Among the first tasks will be for young councillors to draw up a statement about their intentions. It is hoped that, once established, the Youth Council will have a strong political voice in the Island, representing the many thousands of children and young people. Joanne Halpin, Youth and Community Worker for Castletown and Rushen, said the meeting at The Nunnery would draw together young people who attended UCount2 and expressed an interest in playing a role in a youth council and others engaged in clubs and projects who youth workers had identified as possessing the skills for, and likely to enjoy, the role. A dozen young people aged 13 to 25 will be taking part initially but Joanne said: ‘It is open to all young people across the Island aged 13+ who would like to get involved.’ As well as empowering young people to make their voices heard and take decisions for themselves, the Youth Council will learn about the Island’s political processes, such as its system of government and its parliament, Tynwald. Joanne said involvement would be particularly interesting for those young people who are nearing 16, when they will get the vote. Future plans include a visit to Tynwald, a discussion on the role of political assemblies, a workshop preparing young people for the hustings and a meeting on the night of the Island’s general election, 29th September. ‘It’s possible that satellite groups will spring from this and will take place across the Island, hosted by and supported by the Youth Service and linking up with established groups such as those working with young people in care and out in the community, enabling them to have an even stronger voice and giving them the chance to learn about what is provided,’ Joanne said. In time, it is hoped the Youth Council will become a respected voice of young people in the Island and will engage with decision-makers. ‘We don’t just want them to be a dipping point. We want them to have an equal stand in that relationship,’ Joanne said. The project is being led by Joanne and fellow Youth and Community Worker Jim Maynard and Leanne Newbold. The Youth Service works with young people aged eight to 25 and runs 60 clubs and projects over 90 sessions each week. For more information, visit https://www2.sch.im/groups/iomyouth/ Ends