The Youth Cabinet is a collection of 18 young people elected by their peers to represent young people in the county. They campaign on issues such as transport, drugs, the environment, sexual health, bullying and exams. Three members of the cabinet also represent the county at a national level in the UK Youth Parliament.
The cabinet changes every two years and the new cabinet, elected in December, are now ready to start work.
Their first official assignment was a residential weekend for all members which gave them a chance to meet each other, discuss the hot topics they want to focus on and plan for their time as a cabinet. It was also a chance to develop their understanding of the decision-making processes of the County Council.
They will be specifically looking at transport and environment as their two hot topics during their term of office.
As well as the serious campaigning business the weekend included quizzes, ice-breakers and team-building activities including building rafts.
Councillor Meg Stroude, East Sussex County Council's Lead Member for Children and Families, said: “This cabinet has been chosen by their peers to give all young people in the county a voice. In East Sussex we don't want to just be playing lip service to listening to young people, we really want to know what they think – and act upon that. This weekend was a chance for the newly appointed team to get together and thrash out some really important issues.”
East Sussex County Council's participation manager Bev Carter said: “They are energised and committed and look forward to being the representative and authoritative voice of young people in East Sussex for the next two years.”
For more about the Youth Cabinet visit the Connexions 360 – East Sussex Youth Cabinet.
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East Sussex County Council