But first, you might be wondering:

What exactly is the UK Youth Parliament?

The UK Youth Parliament is made up of passionate individuals aged 11 to 18 who are dedicated to representing the views and concerns of young people in their local communities. These Youth MPs, as they're known, listen to their peers, engage in debates, and campaign on issues that matter most to young people. From education and employment to mental health and the environment, Youth MPs strive to make a positive difference and improve the lives of those in their areas.

This February, it's your chance to choose the voices that will represent you and your peers in the UK Youth Parliament. Whether you're passionate about education reform, environmental sustainability, or social justice, your vote matters.

 

Candidate Spotlight: Representing Stanground Academy

We're proud to introduce one of the remarkable candidates running for the Peterborough UK Youth Parliament, and she's one of our very own – a student right here at Stanground Academy.

Meet Danielle, a passionate advocate for youth issues with a clear vision for positive change. Her manifesto reflects her dedication to analysing rather than criticising, and her commitment to ensuring that all young people have access to the resources they need to thrive.

At the heart of Danielle's platform is a focus on addressing the challenges faced by young people in Peterborough. She recognises the stark reality that a quarter of children in our city live in relative poverty, which impacts their mental health, physical well-being, and educational opportunities. To tackle this issue head-on, Danielle proposes the implementation of uniform swap programmes to alleviate financial stress and ensure that every student can fully participate in school life.

But Danielle doesn't stop there. She's also a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion, believing that every young person deserves to feel respected and valued for who they are. She rejects bullying based on ethnicity, language, or background and is committed to creating a school environment where cultural differences are celebrated and embraced.

Education lies at the core of Danielle's agenda. She understands that every student deserves access to quality learning experiences, regardless of their circumstances. To this end, she pledges to address issues such as disability support, financial literacy, and equitable access to work experience opportunities. By establishing updated forums for credible work experience placements, Danielle aims to empower young people to pursue their passions and gain valuable skills for the future.

In a rapidly growing city like Peterborough, Danielle recognises the importance of addressing longstanding challenges to ensure a brighter future for all. She believes in the power of our generation to enact meaningful change and is committed to amplifying the voices of young people throughout our community.

As a student at Stanground Academy, Danielle embodies the spirit of leadership and advocacy that we strive to instil in all our students.

We're proud to support her candidacy and encourage all our fellow students to consider casting their vote for Danielle in the Peterborough UK Youth Parliament Elections 2024. Together, let's make our voices heard and shape a better future for Peterborough!

So, how can you get involved?

Head over to Stanground Academy for our polling day on Thursday 29 February 2024 and cast your vote for the candidates you believe will best represent your interests and concerns. This is open to members of the general public from 3:15pm to 4:30pm. 

Remember, this is your opportunity to shape the future and make a difference in your community. Use your voice and have your say in the Peterborough UK Youth Parliament Elections 2024!

Let's come together as young people and make our voices heard. See you at the polls!

More information

If you would like to get more information about this, please look at the Peterborough City Council's website and the British Youth Council's website to discover more. 

Alternatively, read the Peterborough UK Youth Parliament Elections 2024 booklet, getting to know the candidates, here.