Southend Youth Council wins national award!

The Youth Council - open to all young people aged from 11 -19 who live or go to school in Southend - was named as a Youth-led winner in the Youth on Board awards scheme run by the British Youth Council.  

It was chosen by young people, who judged Southend Youth Council against tough criteria.  

These included: being youth-led over the last six months, the leaders making a positive impact at a local, national or international level; and getting a diverse range of young people involved.  

Southend Youth Council meets on the first Wednesday of every month at Southend Civic Centre, with sub-committees meeting at other times to act as the driving force for Youth Council's campaigns.  

The monthly meetings are chaired by Southend Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor who plan the agenda.  

The Youth Council is very active in the community campaigning for issues affecting young people.

All these campaigns are led by young people and supported by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Voice and Influence Youth Worker. 

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor James Courtenay said:"Congratulations to everyone at Southend Youth Council for winning this very well-deserved award.

"We are very proud of our Youth Council, which makes a major impact in the town, and is the voice of our young people."  

Southend Youth Mayor, Zeeshan Mitha said: "The award recognises the contributions of everyone involved with Southend Youth Council, in helping to make a difference to the lives of young people throughout the borough.  

"Among our recent successful campaigns are:  

• Raising the child fare age on Arriva buses from 14 to 16
• Introducing the new CitizenCard for Southend young people. This is free, gives proof of age and offers shop discounts. More than 1,900 young people have registered for a card
• Councillor Question Time Event, to encourage young people to get involved in politics and local democracy.  This was attended by over 150 young people.   

"Forthcoming campaigns include:

1.     A Cycling campaign to encourage more young people to get on their bike, featuring a cycling event in the summer for young people

2.     Raising awareness of poverty in Southend and increasing the take-up of free school meals 

3.    Developing the information, advice and guidance offered to young people about employment, further education and apprenticeships

4.     Continuing to promote the Youth Council to ensure the young people of Southend have a voice."