North Devon students take their concerns to County Hall
Bideford College and Atlantic Academy students attended Devon County Council’s School and Youth Council Day to highlight what matters to young people in the county
Students from Bideford College and Atlantic Academy have been putting forward the issues they want to see on the agenda at Devon County Council’s School and Youth Council Day.
Held at Devon County Hall in Exeter, the event gave students from 18 schools around Devon the chance to debate in the council chambers, share their ideas and hear different views on issues affecting young people.
The discussions helped shape the shortlist for the Make Your Mark youth ballot, which launched recently. The ballot gives young people the chance to vote on the issues they want their youth representatives to take forward locally and nationally.
Topics discussed included mental health, transport, safety, the NHS, discrimination and the environment. Jobs and opportunities received the most votes and became the focus of the afternoon’s debate.
The event was organised by Devon County Council’s Youth Participation team, with members of Devon Youth Council leading much of the day’s debate.
It concluded with a formal debate in the county council chamber.
Dr Claire Ankers, Bideford College principal, said: “We’re really proud of our students for getting involved in the day, sharing their views and listening to others.
“Having the chance to debate in the council chambers and discuss issues that affect young people is a valuable experience and it was great to see them representing their peers and making their voices heard.”