12 YOUNG people will meet today for the first meeting of a council that has been set up to represent young people across the Isle of Man.

The Youth Council was formed for young people between the ages of 13 and 25 and stemmed from the Ucount2 forum which was held in November.

It is hoped that once established the Youth Council will have a strong political voice in the Island.

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 including Tynwald.

Young councillors will be asked to draw up a statement of their intentions and future plans include a visit to Tynwald, a discussion on the role of political assemblies and a meeting on the night of the Island’s general election.

Joanne Halpin, youth and community worker for Castletown and Rushen, is leading the project alongside fellow youth and community workers Jim Maynard and Leanne Newbold. 

She said: "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."

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.

Joanne continued: "We don't just want them to be a dipping point. We want them to have an equal stand in that relationship."

The Youth Council is open to all young people across the Island aged 13 and over.