Bassetlaw Youth Council urge others to join and ‘make a difference’

Members who sign up benefit from volunteering opportunities, learn about politics and engage with prominent community leaders to represent the younger generation.

Vanessa Cookson, youth council support officer, described how the council provides ‘so many opportunities’, adding: “Whether it's the health side of things or criminal justice, planning or being a politician even.

“There are so many opportunities - it gives you the chance to learn how politics works and you meet some really exciting people.”

Simran Uppal, Bassetlaw’s current Member of Youth Parliament (MYP), told how last year she gave a speech at a South Yorkshire transport conference - highlighting teenagers’ fears over bus travel.

She said: “We’re in such a rural place and as I’m getting older I can see how bad our transport really is.”

Simran, 16, who has been involved with the council for three years and is the Nottinghamshire Young People’s Board chairperson, took on the role this year after the previous member stood down.

Though she admits a politics career is something she would only consider ‘later down the line’ Simran added: “I like being able to make a difference in a lawful way.

“You can see the difference we’ve made with campaigning and projects over just the last few weeks.

“If you can make a difference in that lawful way then that’s something I want to do.”

One of Simran’s proudest achievements so far has been convincing Bassetlaw councillors of the need for a youth mayor.

In September she gave a presentation to the district council’s cabinet on the subject - which was agreed at full council in December.

Vanessa added: “Simran worked on the youth mayor push for two years and really underplays how much work went into it - it was a long process and she’s done a great job.”

Speaking about being the Bassetlaw MYP Simran said: “The relationship with the youth council is essential to making things happen.

“It’s also just to be clear on what you want to do and make sure you have an action plan.”

Bassetlaw Youth Council meet bi-monthly you can find more information or get in touch at www.facebook.com/Bassetlawyouthcouncil.

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