Cornwall’s Young Voices Set Bold Goals: Cheaper Cinema Tickets, Safer Spaces, and Mental Health Support on the Agenda

In a remarkable show of democratic engagement, over 10,000 young residents in Cornwall participated in the recent Youth Council Elections and the national “Make Your Mark” vote.

The elections have successfully instated ten proactive new members to the Cornwall Youth Council, each bringing forward dynamic proposals to enhance the lives of their peers.

Sweeping Participation

Cornwall’s youth showed unprecedented enthusiasm, with 10,000 participants casting their votes across the region’s six constituencies. This massive turnout underlines the importance of youth involvement in local governance and policy-making, reflecting a broad commitment to active citizenship among the young population.

The New Faces of Change

The newly elected council members are set to tackle pivotal issues, ranging from mental health and wellbeing to creating inclusive, fun environments for young people. Here’s a glimpse into their ambitions:

• St Ives: Cadan aims to improve mental health support within schools while Ellie focuses on safety and trusted access within homes and educational institutions.
• Camborne and Redruth: Callum plans to develop safe and enjoyable recreational spaces, whereas Merewen advocates for accessible housing and better public transport.
• Truro and Falmouth: Miranda proposes more affordable leisure activities like skate parks and cinema discounts for children, alongside Ruby, who is keen on enhancing support structures for young people’s overall wellbeing.
• Newquay and St Austell: Gabi’s agenda includes involving students in school decision-making, while Elodie strives for equal opportunities for all children, aiming to inspire change and empower futures.
• South East Cornwall: Indigo-Violet wants to create safer play areas and enhance pedestrian paths, and Peter is looking to broaden the range of leisure activities available to the youth.

Leaders in Their Own Right

Three of the ten elected members have the distinct honour of being chosen as Members of Youth Parliament, poised to bring Cornwall’s youth perspectives to a national forum. This representation is crucial in scaling local issues to national prominence, ensuring the voices of Cornwall’s children and young people are not only heard but acted upon.

Council Commitments

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, the cabinet member for children and families, expressed immense pride in the electoral process and the candidates’ willingness to serve. She reaffirmed the council’s dedication to making Cornwall an exemplary place for children to grow up in, emphasising the integral role of the Youth Council in holding the council accountable and steering community-focused policies.

Get Involved

The Youth Council still has openings for two more constituency seats in North Cornwall, with details available for interested candidates aged 11-18 on the Let’s Talk Cornwall website. Additionally, young people aged 16–18 are encouraged to pre-register on the electoral roll to ensure they can vote upon turning 18. Information and registration can be accessed here.

A Call for Participation

The Cornwall Youth Council is not just a platform for debate but a hub for actionable change. As these new members embark on their mission to shape the future of their community, the continued support and involvement of the youth are pivotal. For more insights into their plans or to get involved with the Youth Council, reach out at youthcouncil@cornwall.gov.uk.

This wave of youthful insight and ambition bodes well for the future of Cornwall, promising not only to address current concerns but to forge a path towards a vibrant, inclusive future. The commitment shown by these young leaders and their electorate is a beacon of active, informed, and compassionate civic engagement.