The Big Vote 06 will elect a new Youth Cabinet established by East Sussex County Council. The same elections will choose three Members of the UK Youth Parliament.
Voting will take place from 20 November to 1 December in 50 voting stations in schools, colleges, pupil referral units, youth projects and across East Sussex. Each of the six areas will have two cabinet members who will represent young people on issues such as transport, drugs, the environment, sexual health, bullying and exams. They will also be involved in a video project, conferences and producing a ‘hitch-hiker’s guide to East Sussex.’
The Members of the Youth Parliament will influence decisions in the county and represent East Sussex at national events and meetings with government ministers.
There are more candidates than ever before, and as voting approaches its organisers are expecting that voter turn-out will beat all records. Two candidates for the Youth Cabinet will be elected in each of the areas of Wealden, Rother, Hastings, Lewes, Eastbourne North and Eastbourne Central.
Councillor Meg Stroude, Lead Member for Children and Families, welcomed the elections saying:
‘We are delighted to be helping young people’s voices to be heard in East Sussex and beyond. Encouraging participation from young people is very important to us in making sure our services are meeting their needs. We wish all the candidates good luck and a successful year to the winners.’
ENDS
Notes to editors
The results of the Big Vote 2006 will be announced on 21 December in County Hall. Please contact Colette Mercer on 01273 481365 for more information or if you wish to attend.
See below for details of candidates in Wealden, Rother, Hastings, Lewes, Eastbourne North and Eastbourne Central.
CANDIDATES for Eastbourne Central
Sharon Skinner, aged 17.
Likes ice skating and snowboarding.
Describes herself as: “A very confident person, passionate about representing young people’s views. I am also a member of the Children’s Rights Alliance for England.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Transport: public transport is a major issue to young people in East Sussex. I strongly feel it should be cheaper.
• Safety: personal safety for young people is a big issue. It affects us from a school environment through to socialising and going out.
• Things to do: young people do not have enough things to do in their free time. I will raise the profile of existing facilities and campaign for more.
Hannah Sayers, aged 15.
She likes to make people laugh and helps with horse riding lessons for kids on Saturday
Describes herself as: “A great listener and approachable and good at empathising. I am very strong emotionally in my views.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Bullying:
• Teen Involvement: in clubs ie sports, cookery, night clubs etc.
• Self Awareness (PSHE)
Laura Cliff Giles, aged 17.
Describes herself as: “Your average student, too old for after school activities and too young for going to pubs and clubs like a lot of teenagers.” Also as “down to earth, open-minded and empathetic to other people’s opinions and feelings”.
Key Campaign Issues:
• Better places for young people to go, meet & be social, and better transport to get them there.
• To campaign against the reduction of local hospitals. Young people are the least likely to have transport to travel 20 miles to an A and E department.
• More green spaces for sports and recreation such as football, hockey and netball. Plus more equipment to encourage sports like skating and BMX-ing
Charlotte Honisett, aged 15.
Describes herself as: “Determined and will not give up until things have changed to the way that you want them.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Organise groups to help and support problems in or outside school.
• Organise events and fund raiser to help improve your community.
• Raise awareness of multi-culturalism and show the benefits.
CANDIDATES for Eastbourne North
Iqra Bilal, aged 16.
Describes herself as “Outgoing with a lot to say! I have a lot of experience in youth work and know how to deal with issues. I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in, and I won’t stop fighting till I see it through.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Transport: We need lower fares for full time students and we need to abolish the peak time rule.
• Things to do and Places to go: We need more activities for young people for at different times to suit more people.
• Safety: Bullying is still around us and we need it to stop. We also need more street lights for a safer environment.
Joshua Disborough, aged 14. He enjoys riding his bike, listening to hip hop music and drawing cars.
Key Campaign Issues:
• Young people from 11–18 need to have somewhere to go instead of hanging around shops.
• We need more types of sport introduced eg Handball
• More parks are needed with skate parks, dirt jumps and climbing etc.
Caitlin Phillips, aged 16.
Describes herself as: “Open minded sensible and conscious of local and national current affairs. I question readily and debate fiercely about issues I am passionate about. I am a good listener and mix well with people from all beliefs and cultures. I will be truthful and honest.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Agenda 21: It is important that young people have a say in the way waste is recycled and in reducing the amount of waste we send to tips.
• Transport: Transport in rural areas to be improved so young people can access the facilities of the county.
• For the efforts of young people in the community and in schools to be recognised for their valuable input and hard work. To build on the positive, no negative!
CANDIDATES for Lewes
Katrina Mather, aged 14.
Describes herself as: “I’m a very lively person, I’m bubbly, confident, determined and committed. I’m not at all shy and not afraid of saying what I think – especially when it comes to representing young people!”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Environment: I want every school in East Sussex to become an Eco-School (an environmentally friendly school). Young people need to be better educated on the environment. We need to know what impact our actions are having on the environment.
• Bullying: This continues because many teachers generally don’t know it’s happening! I want to make an EFFECTIVE anti-bullying policy that every school uses and have older student talking to younger students about problems they have.
• Support: Young people need more support with everything from exam stress, homework, problems at home, fights with friends and even finding a job.
Liam Francis, aged 13.
Has a wide variety of music tastes, plays the guitar and enjoys modern and hip hop dance.
He describes himself as: “Enthusiastic, dynamic and effervescent.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• To promote renewable energy sources in schools like wind turbines and solar panes, so we don’t waste non-renewable energy sources.
• To have a place or a person students can go to, to talk about drugs, sexual health and home problems.
• To encourage kids who aren’t so involved in school life and to give them the self confidence they need to get involved.
Daniel Gravenor, aged 13.
Describes himself as: “Articulate with an enthusiastic interest in my local area. I am approachable and believe my drive and personality would make me a great asset to the Youth Cabinet and UKYP.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Facilities for Teenagers: I want there to be more facilities and things for young people to do at affordable prices.
• Street Safety: I want to be able to walk down the streets without being scared of gangs and other youths.
• Incinerator: I believe the Incinerator is a bad thing for Newhaven and will seriously harm health. I want to try and stop this being built.
Saul Russell-Moyle, aged 14.
Describes himself as: “A bright cheerful person with a good sense of humour. I like listening to good music. I will get things done and won’t just make promises. I have a lot to say and will get my voice heard in the loudest possible way. I will listen to what other people say to get what you want.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Better schools: I am fed up with having to walk through corridors which smell of urine. It’s time for a change and to get better toilets, better school meals, and better schools generally.
• Transport: Buses and train fares are too expensive. Young people should be given Travel Cards so that it’s cheaper to travel.
• Getting your voice heard: I will make sure that all young people are able to impact on things that affect them. I will listen to what you have to say.
CANDIDATES for Hastings
Lynsey Murphy, aged 13.
Likes dancing, singing and all types of music.
Key Campaign Issues:
• Bullying
• Children should have more say.
• Free Transport: Children should have free transport from 0 to 16yrs.
Jess Hanson, aged 13.
Her catchphrase is “I roc ure funky-ful sox.”
Describes herself as: “I stand out from the crowd. If I care about something I will fight for it, whatever it is. I have a whacky dress sense (hard to forget). I don’t mind about what people think of my appearance after all it’s what’s inside that counts.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Litter Bugs! – I can’t stand people who think it’s cool to make a mess.
• Economic – Vegetarianism/vegans. Protecting our planet and all its inhabitants.
• Stereotypical views on youth!
Jonathan Murphy, aged 15.
Is a Sea Cadet, enjoys rugby and “is able to see everyone’s point of view”.
Key Campaign Issues:
• Recycling: People should be involved in recycling at a young age so it becomes second nature to them.
• More support for voluntary youth services.
• Better school facilities especially cleaner toilets and changing area.
Alex Cottrill
Wants young people’s opinions to be heard.
Key Campaign Issues:
• Bullying: This is a serious issue, especially in schools. I want more places in schools that young people can go to and talk about this.
• Environment: This needs to be improved in Hastings especially with litter. More tidying up is needed.
• Votes at 16: Young people should be able to vote at 16 because the issues that we have are just as important as those at 18.
Nick Walker
Describes himself as: “I’m different and can make a difference!”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Transport: We need cheaper fares. Bus prices are overpriced and rising. Last month it cost me £40 to get to school. We need affordable prices.
• Safety: I want young people to feel safe when they go out.
• More places to go: Every one is different and we need more varied places to go at night and more activities to do.
Oliver Fawcett
Says of himself: “I am standing to be elected because there are things in East Sussex that need improving.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Health: Not enough is being done to improve the health of young people in East Sussex.
• Vandalism: More needs to be done to prevent this on our streets.
• Youthism: Not enough is being done to protect young people.
CANDIDATES for Rother
Luke Springthorpe
Enjoys playing and watching football and enjoys most types of music.
Describes himself as: “I am outgoing, forceful and will work hard to make sure the voice of young people is heard. I will always ask what young people in Hastings & Rother actually want.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Recycling: I want to see greater promotion of school recycling, improved house hold collections. I also want to campaign for less wastage of packaging.
• Free Transport: I will continue to campaign and lobby for free travel for young people up to the age of 19 and also more reliable transport for school & college services.
• More to do: Young people need safe places to go in the winter where they can sit and relax that isn’t a pub. I will continue to lobby for a ‘Super Youth Centre’.
Hannah Bolton
Describes herself: “I love to tell a good joke and try my hardest. I am a good listener.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Bullying: I was bullied and would like to try my hardest to stop people from doing this.
• Health and Safety: It’s important because people need help with their health.
• A Good Curriculum: We need this to get the best from our education and to help us in our future careers.
Lizzie Vine
Describes herself as: “Bubbly, outgoing and motivated. I have been a peer mentor for two years at my school. Our team won the school the Princess Diana Anti-Bullying Award and I have been involved in training staff and Head Teachers across Sussex about anti-bullying work.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Free and reduced cost local transport for all young people in full-time education.
• More activities, with a permanent centre/information shop to support young people in the Bexhill area.
• Improving communication and relationships between young people and the police.
Daniel Beckingham
Attends St Mary’s College, is on the School Council and Bexhill Youth Council and is a Christian. He describes himself as: “Determined, and able to push things forward.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• I think students should pay one fare on transport because they are not earning a full time wage.
• I would like to see cleaner roads and less litter everywhere.
• I think we need more learning activities and things to do. Especially activities for young people with special needs at the times and places they want them.
Stephanie Manuel
Loves dance and listening to music.
Describes herself as: “Willing to help and listen to other people, honest and true to what I say.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Bullying
• Education
• Poverty
CANDIDATES for Wealden
James Davies, aged 13.
Says of himself: “I may not know everything about politics but I listen and always see the bright side of life. I also think I have a good sense of humour.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Raising Awareness of What You Want: I will listen and make sure everyone’s opinions are heard. I will create a website where you can share views and find the best information possible.
• Environment: The littlest things can make the biggest difference. It is important for our future that we keep the world clean.
• Transport & Places to go: Rising transport fares are difficult to afford. I will campaign for cheaper transport and more facilities to go where people can meet socially rather than hanging around.
Aarron Long, aged 14.
Says of his campaign: “I really want to make a difference and get your views across. I am a strong willed person who can fight for what you want. I will not just agree with what other people want for us.”
Key Campaign Issues:
• Getting Young People’s Voices Heard: I will try to get a council of youths in each area that everyone will know about and can easily go to.
• Schools Representative Panel: To get schools to have a representative panel of young people to interview new teachers.
• Support for Young People: I want to make it so that if you are unhappy you can easily go to see a person that can help you without having to ask a teacher or parent.
George Curd, age 13. Describes himself as ‘confident, articulate and well informed on current affairs. I am able to relate well to both adults and my peers. I have chaired meetings on my school council at which Charles Hendry MP has been present.’
Key Campaign Issues:
• Improve Youth/Social Club Facilities: to offer sport and music, plus information on drugs and sexual awareness. These clubs should encourage children to bond whatever the background.
• Encourage Environmental Awareness: Preserve green spaces and utilise them for youth enjoyment by creating skate parks, sports facilities and play areas.
• Lobby Government for schools to be given the freedom to use a wider range of exam boards at SATs, GCSE’s and A Levels in order to reflect pupils ability accurately.
Reference:
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