Flintshire’s first ever Welsh Youth Parliament members have just been elected

The first members to ever be elected to the Welsh Youth Parliament were announced on Wednesday.

Two successful Flintshire candidates will now represent local youngsters nationally at the Welsh Youth Parliament.

The Parliament, which will meet for the first time in February, is aimed at giving young people aged between 11 and 18 a voice.

Voting took place between November 5 and November 25 with the results announced yesterday in Cardiff.

40 Welsh Youth Parliament members have been elected by a ‘First Past the Post’ system, returning one young person for each electoral constituency in Wales including Alyn & Deeside and Delyn.

A further 20 seats have been elected by ‘partner organisations to ensure the representation of diverse groups of young people.’

All 60 Welsh Youth Parliament members, who are not members of a political party, will have equal status with the same role and responsibilities in the Parliament, and will serve a two year term.

The Welsh Assembly presiding officer Elin Jones said on Wednesday:

“Today marks a special occasion in the history of our National Assembly.

As we look forward to celebrating twenty years since the creation of a parliament for Wales next year, I am pleased to announce that this place is about to become the home of another exciting parliament – our first ever Youth Parliament.

This is the culmination of many months of work by organisations, schools, and the Assembly’s dedicated Education and Youth Engagement team, and it is a huge debt to everyone who ensured that this innovative project is thriving.

“This is a golden opportunity to empower the next generation and I am confident that this group will be great champions for the issues that are important to the young people of Wales today.”

The two new Welsh Youth Parliament Members for Flintshire are:

Nia Griffiths – Alyn and Deeside

Key issues:

• Inequality
• Obesity in young people
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Nia says:

“My name is Nia Griffiths. I am currently in Year 8, play in my local netball team and enjoy going to Guides.

I would like to start by expressing how much this opportunity means to me and to represent the young people of Wales.

It is vital that we have a say in how our country is run. I am actively involved in a number of groups within my high school and can see the difference it makes to have a voice.

There are many ways I will consult with the young people in my area. Firstly, I will approach my school to hold assemblies and meetings with my peers.

I will also reach people through my Guides unit and social media. This will ensure a wide range of young people have their say.

I am an excellent communicator and listen well to the views and ideas of others.

I am confident, committed and always put 100% effort into everything I do.

I am friendly and not afraid of speaking up. I have many ideas for making this country an even better place to grow up in.”

Thomas Comber – Delyn

Key issues:

• Health and wellbeing
• Education and Training
• Transport

Thomas says:

“I am passionate about the voices of young people being heard in wales and  I am determined to ensure that young have a platform for their voices and that decision makers are held accountable for the services provided to young people and their families.

I believe that since we are the next generation, it is of the utmost importance that our voices, opinions and questions are heard.

I am the joint leader of the Flintshire Youth Council and in order to make sure that I effectively represent the voices, opinions and questions of the young people in Delyn.

I will work in partnership Flintshire Youth Council and ensure that the voices of young people are represented in the youth parliament.

As the representative to Delyn I promise that I will listen without prejudice, consider with care and fight with dedication for the views and Issues of the young people of Delyn.”