Young people who want to help make a difference to where they live and the services provided are being invited to become candidates in the forthcoming Isle of Wight Youth Council elections.

The Youth Council is an independent organisation that works with Isle of Wight Council, helping the local authority shape policies and projects that benefit young people.

In recent years, the youth council has played an influential role in making the provision of a multi-use games area (MUGA) in Freshwater a reality, and campaigned for the introduction of the Student Rider bus fare scheme.

These two schemes have seen the youth council recognised on a national scale and win awards.

Meanwhile, candidates are also being sought for the Isle of Wight’s Member of Youth Parliament (MYP). Once elected, the MYP works with their local MP, councillors, schools and the youth council on the issues of greatest concern to their constituents.

Isle of Wight Council Leader David Pugh said

“The council strives to improve services available to young people on the Island. As we continue to develop new services and facilities, the youth council and the youth MP both act as a major voice for our young people, and their views are very valuable.

I look forward to meeting the new members of the youth council and the youth MP when they are elected.”

Anyone aged 13-21 can sit on the youth council, while if you are aged 11 - 18 you can become a candidate for the youth MP. If you are interested in improving the life of young people on the Island, and indeed all over the UK, please contact Chris Smy on 07976009119 or e-mail to chris.smy@iow.gov.uk for more information. The final deadline for registration is November 7th 2008 although it is recommended anyone interested should get in touch as soon as possible.