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Young people from Wales make their voices heard in the House of Commons

Young people from across Wales recently had their say on some of the key issues affecting them at a meeting of the UK Youth Parliament in the House of Commons.

They were joined by other Youth Forums members, aged 11 to 18, from all over the UK to debate a range of current issues, including mental health services and lowering the voting age, as well as commemorating those who gave their lives in the First World War.

The Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, provided grant funding of over £8,600 to Children in Wales to take 22  young people from across Wales to London to attend the event.

The Welsh Government is working with Children in Wales to ensure children and young people are able to make their voices heard on the big issues which directly affect them and their families.

This timely event follows the recent Scottish independence referendum where 16 and 17 year olds were able to have their say on the future of their county for the very first time.

Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, said:

“Making sure young people feel empowered and are able to make their voices heard on the issues which have an impact on their lives is a priority for me.

“I’m proud to be helping young people from Wales to join their counterparts from across Britain at the UK Youth Parliament debate. Their attendance at the House of Commons will not only be a wonderful opportunity for the participants themselves, but will also make sure Wales’ voice is heard loud and clear.”

Catriona Williams OBE, Chief Executive of Children in Wales said:

“We are delighted that Welsh Government Minister Lesley Griffiths has provided resources to enable young people from across Wales to participate in the UK youth parliament debate in the House of Commons with their peers from other parts of the UK.

“The event is a wonderful opportunity for Welsh young people to express their views and to have a personally rewarding experience.  Children in Wales is pleased to have organised their participation in partnership with county youth forum workers.”

 

Channel website: http://gov.wales

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