Wolverhampton was top of the table in the West Midlands with 13,015 votes cast, resulting in a 45.89% turnout and placing the city fifth for turnout nationally. Nationally, 512,606 votes were cast in the Make your Mark ballot, equating to an 8.03% turnout.
Every secondary school in the city took part in Make Your Mark, with young people voting for the issues that matter most to them they want debated by Youth MPs.
Crime and Safety was the top issue and the Youth Council are now working with the Community Safety Team to consider what area to focus on.
The 3 schools which had the highest electorate – Heath Park School, Wolverhampton Girls High School and Coppice Performing Arts School – were recognised at a recent local event hosted by the Mayor Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre and the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Christopher Burden.
Councillor Christopher Burden, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “Make Your Mark is an important initiative 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.
“A special thanks to every school in the city for supporting Make Your Mark and providing the opportunity for pupils to take part and especially for helping Wolverhampton achieve such a high turnout. And a huge congratulations to the 3 schools Heath Park, Girls High and Coppice, who had the best turnout for Make Your Mark campaign.”
As well as the long established Youth Council, the City of Wolverhampton’s Childrens Services are supporting a range of opportunities and Youth Voice groups including the following:
- The # YES Board, which commissions and inspects providers that deliver the Holiday Activities and Food programme
- Family on Board, which focuses on the development of the Pathfinder for the city and Family Hubs
- HY5 for young people who have additional needs to influence the support and services available to them
- Children in Care Council and Care Leavers Forum
For further details, go to Get Involved | Wolverhampton Young Opportunities (yowolves.co.uk).
