A YOUTH Council is looking for new members.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s Youth Council is set to hold an induction day in the hunt for people aged between 13 and 19 to join.

The event is due to take place at Brighton Town Hall from 10.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday, October 16.

From climate change to mental health, event organisers said Youth Council helps ensure the issues that matter most to young people are on the agenda.

Members of the youth council take part in debates and meetings with councillors, politicians and other local decision-makers to represent young people and influence policy and decisions that affect their future.

In the last year, the Youth Council have campaigned on plastic waste, co-hosted a climate change Q&A with local MPs and taken part in a beach clean event.

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The council’s deputy leader councillor Hannah Clare, who will be at the event, is a former youth council member in Essex.

Cllr Clare said it will be the first time Youth Council have met since the start of the pandemic.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to get involved in improving the lives of young people in the city to come along and meet us,” she said.

“As a teenager, my four years on the Young Essex Assembly was an amazing experience. I learned new skills like debating, teamwork and leadership. I met so many people my age, as well as politicians and council officers - and I got a chance to really change lives.

“You’ll get the opportunity to take part in the city-wide Youth Council conference we are planning for 2022 as part of the national youth council Make your Make campaign. This will decide the top ten issues concerning young people to set the agenda for national government.”

Youth Council member Louise Brown, 17, said if you’re interested in making a change in your local area, this is a great place to start.

“It's allowed me to build my confidence in public speaking and interacting with council members,” she said.

"I have been given the opportunity to present talks to council and participate in making sure youth projects get the funding they deserve.”

Other opportunities open to Youth Council members include involvement with the Youth Climate Assembly, sports, transport, LGBTQ+ issues and access to the British Youth Council.

Members typically commit between two and four hours of their time per month.

To register for the event or to find out more, contact the council’s Youth Participation Officer Tracie James - tracie.james@brighton-hove.org.uk.