Why elections matter to our young people
Will they, won’t they? The Westminster gossip is all about when the general election will be called. Despite early hints to the contrary, a snap election on 2nd May is now firmly ruled out. Yet, across England, elections will take place on that day. We go to the polls for local councils, combined authorities and mayors, and Police & Crime Commissioners.
As the election campaigns gather pace, we asked Stuart Dunne, CEO of Youth Focus North West, why the regional agenda is so important for young people who aren’t entitled to vote.
Youth Focus NW is one of six regional youth work units in England, which act as hubs to develop and support youth work to meet young people’s needs in their regions.
Stuart said: “It’s no secret that young people face a number of challenges such as the mental health crisis, poverty and feelings of not being safe.
With the North West having some of the highest levels of deprivation, our services are vital to providing support to young people in those areas, helping them also to understand their local politics and identity.”
So what does an election year mean for young people and what impact does their voice make on decision makers? Mayors include Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region, with devolved powers from government. Police & Crime Commissioners who join up services within the regions, to secure early help and prevention and crime reduction. Some local council seats will be open for election in challenging financial times for funding local services. All play a significant role in determining support for young people’s lives, in services and activities across communities.
“Most of the challenges young people face today are not singular but multifaceted and therefore political ideology of dealing with singular issues just doesn’t work anymore,” said Stuart.
“Yet a lot of young people have a sense of belonging to areas when they feel valued, safe and provided with hope. When we bring young people from the North West together, they do have a sense of pride and belonging.”
According to Stuart politicians can do a lot to help young people aspire and succeed:
“I think there is several things politicians can do. The first, is to treat young people as equal citizens with rights, young people are not only the future of this country but are very much part of the present as well.
“The second, is to listen to, and value what young people say. If we want to develop young people’s sense of belonging and agency then listening and valuing their contribution is a minimum requirement.
“Thirdly, create policies that focus on young peoples strengths as well as societal challenges. The fourth, and final point is for politicians to act and behave as young people do, when they sit as the UK Youth Parliament, in the House of Commons.”
In his 12 years of working at Youth Focus NW, Stuart has a tremendous amount of insight into the significance of youth work for future generations.
“Youth work is a unique discipline that helps shape and guide young people into becoming active citizens.
“This is so much more than being about paying taxes. Our young people are equal citizens in their own right. Across a range of activities, such as volunteering, we help each other and embody the true value of democratic engagement.”
Youth voice and shared experience is core to Youth Focus NW and young people’s participation “as equals” with politicians. While the date of the general election is still in doubt, Stuart and his team are working with Citadel to get ready for Labour Party Annual Conference. This is to be hosted again in Liverpool, in September. They will deliver events led by young people engaging directly with senior politicians which, if the opinion polls are to be believed, will include Labour Mayors and likely Ministers in the next Government.
This sits proudly in the heart of a full programme of events organised with the youth sector, entering our 15th annual conference season.
Citadel 