South Cambs and City.                                            –A-

Sam W

I wish to join the UKYP because my underlying desire is to represent the young people within this innovative community, and have real knowledge of the needs of people from widely differing backgrounds. My suitability is reflected in that I seek to speak for everyone, naturally with my own ideas of priorities, with thought to the local agenda. Importantly, I am aware of today’s affairs and often see psychology as the key to social balance. Although I am younger than most MYPs, I have experience in debates on key issues and realise that the role that young people can play in democracy. In addition, I never represent any particular party, and my passion is that youth should never be underestimated: we speak from the heart, and are not swayed by the focus of specified business. The best ethos is when the best ethos is continually encouraged, and there I can assist.

Rosie B

I think you should vote for me because I want to improve the quality of life for young people. I feel strongly about the facilities and the transport in Cambridge. I think the transport like buses should be free for those under 16, and maybe introduce the oyster card. The cost of facilities should be cheaper and affordable to everyone. We need to get more affordable shops for young people. We also need more youth clubs and centres. I wish to include awareness of drug use into schools by making it interesting, such as drama workshops. Also, I think schools should encourage young people to recycle and raise awareness of the environment. If you vote for me, I will listen to what you want and speak up for you! Thank you.

Lizzy T

I’m Lizzy (aged 14). If I become an MYP my aim would be to change the often incredibly negative (normally undeserved) stereotype given to young people, and increase the support available to them. I think that there should be more self-help for young people and teenagers. For example there are many help-lines set up for children and young adults, there aren’t any that involve young people as part of the solution – and this can put some people off. Many young people would feel more comfortable talking to someone of their own age who might be encountering similar problems themselves rather than talking with an adult. I think that we are mature enough to help others out. Getting involved in this way will promote and highlight positive actions that involve young people, which may also help dissemble the unfavourable image given to us. 

Jessica P

Recipe to make a fair society:

Step one: mix the opinion of all the teenagers with a spoonful of equality. Add a tablespoon of trust and gently stir. Drop a pinch of reality and sprinkle all over originality.

This recipe shouldn’t sound complicated, and that’s because it isn’t. I’m certain there are loads of new ideas from teenagers like you that could change the face of Cambridge. If you vote for me, I will do whatever I can to make these brainwaves a reality. I believe that Cambridge is a place of history and education but factors like transport can become a big issue. Vote for me and I have plans for bus journeys to become free for under 16s. Other ideas such as racism and bullying will be put forward. I’ve said my bit, now it’s your turn. If you want someone friendly and approachable…vote for me!

Sophie J

My name is Sophie Jones and I am writing to introduce myself because I am interested in becoming a Member of Youth Parliament. I am confident, hard working and enthusiastic pupil. As part of my application I would like to highlight the following points. I am experienced in helping others and working as part of a team. This is the 3rd year running that I have been on the school council. During this time, I have improved the provision of sports equipment, helped improve the sports environment. My ambition is to improve services for teenagers by providing things like weekend provision at youth clubs and daily trips at the weekend. I have learned to work for the benefit of others.

Matthew W

I consider myself to b e a confident, mature and outgoing person. I am interested in young people having a voice and would like to be active in this area. I have been a member of the school council for three years. I have been in the Air Training Corps for the last two years where I had experience of training and supporting young cadets. I did work experience with the Cambridge City Council Youth Work team and was involved in organising activities for young people. I am currently head boy at my school.

Tom S

I have now served with the UK Youth Parliament as a Deputy MYP for two years and I am standing again because I believe that I can make a difference. We young people are continually treated as some kind of underclass by many adults. They seem to think of us as unworthy and we are stereotyped as thugs. This has got to stop.

Second, I would campaign for reduced bus fares for young people, and not only this, I would campaign for improved bus services as currently public transport leaves a lot to be desired. Why should we pay high prices for an awful service? Finally, I will voice the views of young people regardless of my personal views. I will articulate your concerns. I will get your voices heard at whatever level necessary. I will resolve the issues that you raise.

Charlie K

I believe that children should e treated more like adults, for example – voting. I would like to campaign for outdoor and indoor facilities and the use of gymnasiums.

Cameron H

I believe that transport is a problem because I live in Haddenham and it takes 30 minutes to get to school and even longer back because my mum and dad work, so I have to go somewhere. In Haddenham the buses only go at 8 a.m and 7 p.m and this is the same for most out of Cambridge small villages.

Jennifer D

My name is Jennifer and I am in year 9. I believe that young people should be taken more seriously and not stereo-typed for the way they dress. I believe that bullies and people that are treated different should be treated the same as everyone else, and given help. There should be more help such as transport for disabled people so that they, and their families can have a decent, not too limited lifestyle. I think that both younger and older people should be encouraged to be eco-friendly by doing things such as putting safer cycle paths in. I would also like the voting and parent responsibility age changed, because you can have a baby and leave home at 16 but your parents still have the right to say whether you can get married - and you can’t vote until you are 18.

Kayleigh B

I wish to be involved in Youth Parliament because I believe strongly that young people have the right to voice their opinions and be heard by adults because the decisions adults make affect young people. Sometimes the choices made by adults are not right for young people and I would like to be able to help adults make the right choices for everyone. For example, I would campaign for all age limits to be the same as I feel it is confusing. You can leave home at 16, however you can’t vote until you are 18. A young person’s voice is also very important for decisions about facilities and activities for children and teenagers. I believe I would speak up for young people and help us to be counted

UNITED KINGDOM YOUTH PARLIAMENT – BALLOT 2008