Rochdale Borough Council

The UK Youth Parliament aims to give a voice to the young people of the UK between the ages of 11-18.

What is the UK Youth Parliament?

UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) provides opportunities for 11-18 year olds to be elected as a member of the youth parliament (MYP) so they can bring about social change.

UKYP conduct a number of democratic activities across the year. This includes:

• House of Commons debates
• Regional meetings
• Regular dialogue with ministers, including the prime minister and opposition spokespeople
• Inputs to policy and programme development

When are the Member of Youth Parliament elections?

Member of youth parliament elections in Rochdale borough take place every year, usually between December-February.

Any young person aged 11-18 can run in the election to be an MYP. A member of youth parliament's term of office lasts for one year.

How can I stand as a candidate in the MYP elections?

To apply to stand as a candidate in the 2019 MYP elections:

1. You'll need to be aged 11-18 and live in the Rochdale borough.
2. Download and complete the member of youth parliament application form below and either:
   • Email it to youthservice@rochdale.gov.uk or
   • Post it to Rochdale Borough Youth Cabinet, Matthew Moss Youth Centre, Matthew Moss Lane, Rochdale OL11 3LU
3. Make sure we receive your application by Friday, 7 December 2018.
4. We'll let you know if you're shortlisted and what the next steps are by Thursday, 13 December 2018.

What does our member of youth parliament do?

The member of youth parliament for Rochdale borough will:

• Support and speak on behalf of Rochdale Borough Youth Council and Youth Cabinet.
• Work alongside Rochdale Borough Children’s Champion to help improve the lives of children and young people in Rochdale borough.
• Attend and chair meetings for Rochdale Borough Youth Council, who meet every 4 months and Rochdale Borough Youth Cabinet who currently meet weekly.
• Attend and participate in Youthforia – a regional youth forum for the North West.
• Have enthusiasm, energy and take an interest in the rights of children and young people and work to get this message to all children and young people of the borough of Rochdale.

Who are our members of youth parliament?

Louis Tweedale is the current Member of Youth Parliament for Rochdale borough.

Anita Okunde is the Deputy Member of Youth Parliament for Rochdale borough.

Louis is a student at Rochdale Sixth Form College and a former pupil of Hollingworth Academy School. He was elected on 22 February 2018.

Louis’ manifesto points are:

• Mental health awareness and support, which will improve the lives of so many young people across the Borough.
• Activities for young people, as there is very little to do in the real world for free, away from screens and computer games.
• Work experience and apprenticeships, as these provide skills that will set up a young person for life – yet not everyone is given this opportunity.