Highland Youth Voice celebrates 10th Anniversary

Highland Youth Voice, the Youth Parliament for Highland, is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year and the call has gone out for former members to get in touch.

Highland Youth Voice is an elected body of young people drawn from across Highland. Its 100-plus members are elected through secondary schools and the local area Youth Forums. The young people have a wide range of opportunities to 'have their say' and are also involved in taking forward their own agenda and tackling issues that are important to them.

During its 10 year history, Highland Youth Voice has been successful in involving young people in a wide range of decision making bodies. Members have represented Highland’s young people to ensure that their views are taken into account, such as during The Highland Council’s budget consultation.
Previous members will be invited to this year’s HYV summer conference at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Skye on 9th-11th June 2011. Members both old and new will be contributing to a Highland Youth Voice ’10 year book’ recording members’ memories of their involvement in Highland Youth Voice, a photo (‘then and now’ for the older members) and where the members are now.

Current members now have the task of tracking down ex-members of Highland Youth Voice. Chair of the Highland Youth Voice Executive Stuart Davidson and Vice-Chair Bethany Goodwin are busy making a start.  Stuart said:  ‘We are really looking forward to the task. Contacts in the local community will play a vital part in helping us to trace former members so we would be delighted if anyone with information could get in touch.”

Ex-Highland Youth Voice members are invited to contact Stuart, Bethany or Ian Abbot, Senior Youth Development Officer (Participation) via the Highland Youth Voice Office at Highland Council on 01463 702043 or email: ian.abbot@highland .gov.uk