It’s a busy time for Thomas Kendall, Ceredigion Member of Youth Parliament (MYP), and Huw Jones, Ceredigion Deputy Member of Youth Parliament (DMYP), as they embark on their roles, since being elected in April 2019.
Recently, Thomas and Huw met with Ben Lake MP, Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, and Councillor Catrin Miles, Cabinet member for Learning Services, Lifelong Learning and Leisure. They discussed various issues which impact on the lives of young people both locally and nationally.
Thomas and Huw have also met with Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys Police, to discuss knife crime prevention in Ceredigion and across the wider area that the force covers.
Huw said, “My new role as Deputy Member of the UK Youth Parliament representing Ceredigion is very exciting and empowering. I feel that it is important for young people not only to have their say on important issues but also to have their voices represented to and with decision and policy makers. I have learnt more about different issues that affect young people from recent meetings with various people and I look forward to making a difference in my time as Deputy MYP, alongside Thomas MYP.”
Thomas and Huw have attended the first convention in the UK Youth Parliament diary, which involved meeting other MYPs from across Wales. They are now both beginning the preparations for a live debate in November.
Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council said, “It was a pleasure to meet Thomas and Huw and listen to their views, concerns and ideas. It’s vital that young people are given a voice and are able to contribute to discussions and decisions on issues that affect the young people of the county. Good luck with the live debate and continue to make your voices heard.”
On 5 April 2019, Ceredigion Youth Council elected Thomas Kendall as a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) and represents Ceredigion in the UK Youth Parliament for 2019-2020. Huw Jones was elected as Deputy Member of Youth Parliament and provides a supporting role for Thomas. Thomas currently studies at Coleg Ceredigion, Aberystwyth. Huw is a Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron pupil and represents Ceredigion YFC on the Council.
Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) are elected annually in every part of the UK. Once elected, MYPs meet with MPs and local councillors, organise events, run campaigns, make speeches, hold debates and ensure the views of young people are listened to by decision-makers.
02/08/2019