North Lincolnshire Youth Council and Young Voice

What is a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) and what do they do?

• A Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) is an elected young person who represents every young person in their local authority. Any young person aged 11 to 18 who lives, works, or is educated in North Lincolnshire can stand as a candidate. Our next youth elections are taking place in February 2022.
• An MYP’s role is mainly based on local issues which young people in the area think needs improving.
• During their term in office (two years) the elected MYP works with MP’s, Councillors, Youth Groups and wider partners such as Humberside Police and Health Services on issues of greatest concern to young people in North Lincolnshire.
• The MYP is a member of North Lincolnshire Youth Council (NLYC) and works alongside the Young Mayor and Youth Councillors. The MYP is also a member of United Kingdom Youth Parliament (UKYP).

What is UK Youth Parliament (UKYP)?

• UKYP is a youth organisation managed by the British Youth Council. It is run by young people for young people and gives the opportunity to be involved in a democratic process at a regional (Yorkshire and Humber) and a national level.
• UKYP gives young people the chance to have a say on issues that affect them and to be listened to by local and national government.
• UKYP is a non-political organisation. It doesn’t represent any political party.
• Formed in 2000, UKYP is made up of over 600 MYPs.
• MYPs from across Yorkshire and Humber meet up for an annual residential induction weekend, and also a further four conventions throughout the year.
• UKYP also holds an Annual Sitting which all elected MYPs are supported to attend.
• Since 2009 (with the exception of 2020 /2021 due to pandemic restrictions), UKYP has held annual televised debates in the House of Commons.
• More information can be found on the British Youth Council website

How much time commitment is needed to be an MYP?

• You will be expected to attend a youth council meeting once a month for two hours and other meetings as requested (which may be in person or virtual).
• We would expect you to be available to attend a residential induction weekend and three one day conferences (Saturday) over a year.
• The majority of the role may be done via emails/online and we would encourage participation and prompt responses.
• The Democratic Services Officers help support you in your role and they understand that educational commitments must take priority.

What is a Young Mayor and what do they do?

• A Young Mayor is an elected young person who represents young people in their local area on a local level. Any young person aged 11 to 18 who lives, works, or is educated in North Lincolnshire can stand as a candidate. Our next youth elections take place in February 2022.
• The Young Mayor is also a member of North Lincolnshire Youth Council (NLYC).

During their term in office (two years) a Young Mayor will:

• Act as a role model and promote mutual respect.
• Highlight and champion the positive contributions young people make to their communities.
• Lead on projects on behalf of children and young people, eg local environmental projects.
• Promote NLYC and host/attend events that promote Young Voice.
• Represent young people at ceremonial and memorial events, eg Remembrance Day.
• Fundraise for a local charity chosen by themselves and members of NLYC.

How much time commitment is needed for a Young Mayor?

• You will be expected to attend a youth council meeting once a month for two hours and other meetings as requested (which may be in person or virtual).
• We will encourage and support you to attend local events/ceremonies when invited, but understand that educational commitments must take priority.
• It is hoped that as Young Mayor you will take the opportunity to fundraise on behalf of a local charity.

Support for both MYP and Young Mayor

• Democratic Service Officers will support you in your roles, ensuring that you are able to safely attend meetings and your welfare is taken care of.
• We offer administration support and help with resources you may need in your roles.
• We will listen to your views, and where possible, help put forward ideas to wider partners and colleagues.

What we expect from you

• Politeness and respect.
• Prompt responses to correspondence.
• Exhibit positive behaviours.

The youth elections are a democratic process to elect a local Young Mayor and Member of Youth Parliament (MYP).

All young people aged 11 to 18, who live, work, or go to school or college in the area can stand for Young Mayor or MYP and vote.

The next election will take place in February 2022.

The Positive Steps Working Group is a group of local young people dedicated to promoting positive emotional health and wellbeing in young people. The group also works with partners to help shape and influence local information, services, and support.

The NLYC Positive Steps leaflet [PDF, 6Mb] was developed for young people by young people. It has been widely distributed to schools, colleges, and other settings.

If you are interested in joining the group or if you have any comments please contact young.voice@northlincs.gov.uk