Posted on: Friday 25 October 2024
Torfaen Youth Forum has elected a new chair and two deputy chairs for the next year.
Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw Year 11 pupil Charlotte Rapier was elected chair after pledging prioritise young people's mental well-being and support forum members to lobby their schools for positive change.
Boyd Painter, 16, who goes to Torfaen Learning Zone, and Harry Legge, who is in Year 10 at West Monmouth School, were voted in as deputy chairs.
Charlotte said: "I am excited about the difference I can make to the forum and welcome discussion and collaboration."
Boyd, who is returning as deputy chair for a second year, said: "I am pleased to be returning and I hope to have a positive impact on all young people in Torfaen."
Harry added: "I am happy to represent the council and help make positive decisions."
The voting process was conducted in the same way as a political election, with a register, ballot papers, ballot booth and sealed ballot box.
Election manager Caroline Genever-Jones, who ran the election, said: "In Wales, young people can register to vote at the age of 14 and vote in Senedd and local government elections from the age of 16.
"So some of the youth forum members will be able to vote in the next Senedd elections in 2026. This was a great opportunity for them to experience what it will be like if they chose to vote at a polling station."
After the election, the 15 members discussed health and well-being challenges facing young people in Torfaen and reviewed the council's draft Children and Young People's Participation Strategy.
The strategy will go now to cabinet later in the year and, if approved, will set the standard for how all council services will consult and consider young people's opinions in the future.
The forum also agreed their work programme for the next year. They agreed to focus on litter, bullying and the health risks from vaping.
The Youth Forum is open to young people aged between 11 and 18. Anyone interested in finding out about the forum can speak to their school's participation officer or contact philip.wilson@torfaen.gov.uk