Maidenhead & Windsor

The search is on for the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's fifth MYP (Member of Youth Parliament) to represent the views of young people at national level.

Young people aged between 11 and 18 are once again being urged to think about standing for election or to nominate potential candidates for the role - and this year's campaign trail kicks off with an information evening at Castle Hill Youth Centre in High Town Road, Maidenhead, on Wednesday February 6 from 5 – 7pm.

Windsor and Maidenhead Council youth workers will outline the roles and responsibilities of the MYP and answer questions, after which nominees will be asked to write their election manifestos.

Voting will take place from March 3 to 11 at schools and youth and community centres across the borough* with the winner announced at a special presentation evening in the Town Hall later in the spring.

The successful candidate will follow in the footsteps of current MYP Gemma Thorogood to represent the views of the borough's young people at the National Youth Parliament conferences.

He or she will help youth workers to set up local satellite youth forums to feed ideas and opinions into the borough youth forum. The aim is to reflect the views of as many young people as possible in the future provision of services they need and use.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "We have been most fortunate in having four very committed young people to fill the role of MYP in recent years – and I am sure this time around will be no exception.

"It is important that our young people have the opportunity to have their voices heard, and that is what the role of the MYP achieves so successfully. I would like to encourage as many young people as possible to get involved in the forthcoming elections and help to ensure that their views and opinions are represented and listened to at national as well as local level."

Jim Gould, corporate director of learning and care, said: "We are committed to ensuring that all children and young people are consulted fully about the services that are being provided for them, and the MYP can play a major role in championing the voices of our teenagers about what services they need."

For further information about the elections and the role of the MYP, contact Danny Gomm, youth participation co-ordinator, on 01628 510289.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead