The national Make your Mark campaign, the largest youth consultation across the country, was combined with this year’s Youth MP elections, resulting in 11 to 18 year olds across Wolverhampton city casting their votes on the issues that matter to them, and for the people they want to represent them.
Six young people put themselves forward to stand as a Youth MP in Wolverhampton, with Sienna Ahir and Jobe Thompson being elected. They will represent the city’s young people and debate the issues that matter most to them at the Youth Parliament.
Meanwhile, every secondary school in the city took part in Make Your Mark, with young people casting a total of 13,012 votes and choosing Crime and Safety, Jobs, the Economy and Benefits, and Health and Wellbeing as the issues they want Sienna and Jobe to debate with other Youth MPs from around the country.
The 3 schools which had the highest electorate, Heath Park School, Wolverhampton Girls High School and Coppice Performing Arts School, were recognised at last night’s event and presented with a certificate and vouchers. The national results in the Make your Mark ballot will be published next week.
Last night’s event was held in the Civic Suite, attended by the Mayor Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre and the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Christopher Burden.
Mayor Councillor Hardacre said: “The Make Your Mark and Youth MP ballots are both incredibly important initiatives for our young people to take part in as it gives them the chance to contribute their views on the issues that affect their everyday lives.
“We are delighted with the interest shown by our city’s young people in both campaigns, demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment to stand up for what they believe in, make their voices heard and improve the lives of others.”
Councillor Burden added: “A special thanks to every school in the city for supporting Make Your Mark and providing the opportunity for pupils to take part, and a huge congratulations to the three schools Heath Park, Girls High and Coppice, who had the best turnout for Make Your Mark campaign.
“My congratulations to both Sienna and Jobe for being elected as Youth MPs and good luck to them both in what is set to be a very exciting role. We will be working closely with them both as they champion our young people’s voices and help to shape future services across the city.”
