South Holland District Council has had a youth council since 2006. It was set up to empower young people to have their say and be heard by the people that make decisions on their behalf.

Its members range between the ages of 14 and 18 and are often consulted on local issues.  The youth council has also staged its own campaigns to raise greater awareness about issues in their community. 

In May 2008 following the announcement of a proposal to close the Spalding based Driving Test Centre South Holland’s youth council launched a campaign making representation to the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and joining a rally involving their local MP and leader of South Holland District Council. Although the campaign was unsuccessful the youth council‘s thoroughly researched and well thought out argument meant that members were invited to the House of Commons.

The youth council as well as other young people in the district have often been asked about issues affecting the community including the provision of leisure facilities, ways of tackling crime and anti social behaviour and transport issues. Their responses were included in the council’s latest Rural Action Zone Community Strategy, which is currently being implemented.

South Holland’s Youth Council is heavily involved in Local Democracy Week and this year will be taking part in the council’s speed dating event, which will bring councillors and young people together to exchange views and opinions, as well as encouraging young people to vote.

Chair of the youth council, Rebecca Harriss, says:  “It’s great to be a part of something that really makes a difference to the local community. Through the youth council we’re able to make our voices heard and encourage more young people to get involved with the things that matter to them most. I’m more aware of issues, and have the incentive to try to help.”

Take Part Lincolnshire, a joint initiative by the University of Lincoln and Lincolnshire Assembly is aiming to get more people involved in local democracy,

Zoraida Mendiwelso-Bendek, Senior Research Fellow in Active Learning for Active Citizenship at the University of Lincoln, believes that if more people were like Rebecca, we could all live in a better, more socially engaged society:

“Rebecca is a great example of someone who’s willing to get involved and make a real difference to their community. By being more active in local democracy we can all make a positive difference.

“South Holland’s youth council is a great example to us all. There are lots of ways people can get involved from becoming a parish councillor to starting your own campaign.”

To find out more about what’s happening in your area and to take part visit www.takepartlincolnshire.org

Take Part Lincolnshire is part of the Take Part National Network and the Take Part Pathfinder National  Programme.