We’ve Achieved over 1,200 hours of Volunteering

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We are so happy as Carmarthenshire Youth Councillors have devoted more than 1200 hours to the Participation and Children’s Rights Work on a local, regional and national level during the past 12 months. In celebration and in recognition of our volunteering hours we were presented with National Millennium Volunteers Certificates by Cllr Cefin Campbell, Executive Board Member for Communities and Rural Affairs and Marie Mitchell Chief Officer at CAVS in recognition for the time we have given.

Volunteering Award

CAVS, Carmarthenshire County Council and the Youth Council have been working in partnership since 2007 to give recognition to the young people of Carmarthenshire through the CAVS Youth Recognition Scheme and the Millennium Volunteers Scheme. Since 2007, 92 Youth Councillors have registered on the CAVS Youth Recognition and Millennium Volunteers Scheme.

Carmarthenshire Youth Councillor Amber Treharne, 14 from Burry Port said “ Since becoming a member of CYC it has allowed me to gain many different experiences through volunteering. I think that volunteering is such a rewarding experience as it really does develop you as a character. Not only does volunteering open up a wealth of experiences, it allows you to gain a variety of skills, such as team-work, that are beneficial to you in day to day life and also as you progress into further study and careers. I would advise anyone who ever receives the chance to get involved with volunteering to go for it because only then will you fully understand how rewarding it is!”

For more photographs of the presentation please visit our instagram

Sarah Powell, Senior Participation and Children’s Rights Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council, Carmarthenshire Youth Council and Fflur Lawlor, Volunteering Officer for CAVS over the years have been working together and listening to our views in order to recognise the work, time and commitment the young people of Carmarthenshire give their local communities in the county. Between them they have developed a Youth Recognition Scheme for 11-14 year olds, lobbied GwirVol the Youth Volunteering initiative for Wales, to lower the Millennium Volunteers age to 14 from 16 – which they succeeded and now more recently have developed a 500 hour certificate.

Sarah said “Words cannot adequately express the gratitude that I wish to convey for all the time, effort and commitment that all members of Carmarthenshire Youth Council have given to my work and the Children’s Rights Agenda both locally and nationally. I’d like to add that their volunteering is appreciated, valued and cherished”

NEW 500 HOURS VOLUNTEERING ACHIEVEMENT

Brittany Alsop-Bingham said “I feel very honoured to be awarded with Carmarthenshire’s 500 hours Certificate. I feel I have gained a number of skills volunteering with Carmarthenshire Youth Council and my role as chair has increased my confidence with Public Speaking and bettered my communication skills. I would encourage everyone to volunteer”

WE MATTER. WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Millennium Volunteers is a way of recognising what we have done and shows our commitment to making sure children and young people have a voice in Carmarthenshire. There are so many reasons to volunteer… so here are just a few:

  • Volunteering is a fantastic way to support a cause that you care about and learn new things along the way.
  • Build your experience and skills while growing your confidence
  • Make a difference to others
  • Meet people, have fun and be part of your community
  • Feel valued and make a difference.

There really is a volunteering opportunity for everyone and if you are 11 to 25 years old and interested in volunteering or you are already Volunteering in Carmarthenshire and want to know more about the Millennium Volunteers Scheme then please contact Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services by visiting the CAVS Website, Phoning 01267 245555 or Emailing admin@cavs.org.uk

Young Volunteer Of The Year

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Young Volunteer Of The Year

Our Chairperson Brittany has been nominated for and awarded the Young Volunteer of the Year award in the Radio Carmarthenshire Young Achiever Awards 2018. This year’s award ceremony was to recognise young people across Carmarthenshire who truly make a difference in our community.

The Awards, proudly sponsored by Coleg Sir Gar, were held in the Best Western Diplomat Hotel on Friday 19th October 2018.

Brittany, on being asked how she felt about winning the award, said “I’m so happy to be receiving this award, it’s such an amazing thing to happen”.

Brittany has received this award because of her years of hard work in Carmarthenshire Youth Council by completing over 500 Volunteering Hours back in April this year during our AGM.

We are all so proud of our Chairperson and thank her for her commitment, dedication, and her enthusiasm for the Youth Council, and congratulate her on winning the prestigious award.

 

Day of Action

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Alisha, 17 from Tycroes is our elected member of the UK Youth Parliament

Alisha, 17 from Tycroes is our elected member of the UK Youth Parliament for 2017/18. Alisha led on the 2017 ‘Make Your Mark’ Ballot in Carmarthenshire, which is the largest youth consultation across the UK with 954,766 young people taking part. Alisha and her team encouraged 4,635 young people aged 11-18 years across Carmarthenshire to get involved and vote on the important issue that impact their lives.

The Make Your Mark Ballot Results (page 30-31) were revealed in October and the results for Carmarthenshire were:

Make Your Mark Results Report (2017)Download PDF

Top 5 results for Carmarthenshire:

  • 727 votes – A Curriculum to prepare us for life
  • 661 votes – Work Experience hubs for 11-18 year olds
  • 605 votes – Protect LGBT+ People
  • 531 votes – Votes at 16
  • 496 votes – First Aid Education for All Young People

Alisha joined members of the UKYP in the House of Commons on Friday 17th November to debate and decide on the most important issue to campaign on for 2018. Alisha was amongst 24 members representing Wales at the event

The 2 National Campaigns for 2017/18 voted on by the UKYP Members at the House of Commons Debate in November were A Curriculum to prepare us for life, and Votes at 16

On behalf of the Youth Council and the UKYP Alisha has thanked all young people in Carmarthenshire that facilitated and took part in the Make Youth Mark Ballot this year, the largest number of young people to vote in Make Your Mark since it began in 2011

Alisha said that “being a member of the UKYP has been the most amazing thing that has happened to me as a young person. It hasn’t only given me confidence and strength, but opportunities to meet people from all over the UK and hear their opinions that mean most to them. Votes at 16 campaign is a very special topic for many young people, as it gives us the voice and chance to help shape decisions that affect us most. It will ensure younger people are becoming politically active, and ensure they’re aware of the changing world and the decisions that can affect them.”

She also added “A Curriculum for life is also a very important campaign as we, the younger generation need a curriculum that will prepare us for the busy world ahead of us. I’m very excited to be a part of, and see the work we have ahead of us, ensuring that we continue to provide the younger generation with a true voice.”

Friday 26th January, saw Alisha and members of the UKYP Official Launch the National Campaigns as part of the National Day of Action. We, led by Alisha will be developing projects and initiatives to find out more about young people’s views and opinions on the two national issues. Such as School Council Debates, Consultation opportunities, raising awareness via social media and working with Senior Managers in Education about the Curriculum Reform taking place in Wales.

Community Champion

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Our member Harriet, aged 16 who was badly bullied has again been congratulated for her strength of character and courage by receiving a Cwmaman Town Council, Community Award.

Harriet Alsop-Bingham, from Garnant suffered cruelty by a group of bullies from the age of 11, who tortured her to the point that she felt completely worthless and started to self-harm, Since receiving the help and support she so desperately needed, Harriet has fought to get her life back on track. Harriet was presented with the Cwmaman Community Award at a presentation evening, organised by Cwmaman Town Council in September.

On receiving the award Harriet “I am over the moon to have been nominated and to have received the second award, the Cwmaman Town Council., Community Award. I’d like to thank Sarah for nominating me and for everyone who believed in me”

Harriet was first recognised for her achievements through winning Carmarthenshire Radio Child of Courage Award 2017 during the Summer, in recognition for the strength, fight and courage she has shown during personal difficulties. Harriet has found the courage to share her story with others to raise awareness of mental health issues, and to encourage anyone suffering as she did to seek help.

CONGRATULATED BY CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

On Tuesday 22nd August, Harriet Alsop-Bingham, a 16 year old CYC member and winner of 2017 Carmarthenshire Radio Local Hero, Child of Courage Award attended a reception at County Hall, Carmarthen with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Chairman Cllr Irfon Jones, Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole, Cllr Glynog Davies and Interim Director of Education & Children Gareth Morgans. At the reception, Harriet was commended for her bravery and determination and in recognition of her achievement was presented with a small gift by Cllr Irfon Jones. Harriet also had the opportunity to share her experiences with elected members and officers.

Cllr Dole said: “Harriet is truly a Child of Courage and deserves this honour. She has not only fought to overcome her personal difficulties, but she has also spoken out publicly to try to help others…. She deserves this recognition which is testament to her strength of character and courage.”

Alisha Represents County at UK Youth Parliament Session

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Over three days this weekend 16 year old Alisa Gibbons, Carmarthenshire’s elected UKYP (United Kingdom Youth Parliament) representative for 2017 will be staying at the university campus in Liverpool to take part in the Annual Sitting of the UKYP Youth Parliament.

During the Sitting Alisha, who is the representative of Carmarthenshire and Wales, will be putting up a strong case and fighting for Mental Health and Access to better Mental Health services for young people to be included within the top ten national issues to be put on the ‘Make Your Mark’ ballot form.

Make your Mark is the largest young people consultation in the UK and we will need your help and support to reach as many young people as possible across Carmarthenshire and the UK to get involved and have a say in this years ‘Make Your Mark’ ballot which will be launched on 12th August 2017.

Alisha, from Tycores said “I’m feeling enthusiastic and excited to be heading to Liverpool to try and get mental health on the 2017 MUM ballot papers. Mental health is an occurring issues that affect young people’s everyday lives. I strongly believe that mental health services for young people needs to be improved and every child and young person should have the right support when they need it!”

Taking part in the event will give Alisha the opportunity to meet up with and work with other members of the UKYP all aged 11-18 from across the country to make a difference for young people! She will be involved in workshops and debates to prepare her for the UKYP House Of Commons debate and vote in November to decide on which two issues from Make Your Mark will become the UKYP’s national campaigns for 2018.

MYP’s (members of Youth Parliament) will also have the privilege of listening to speeches made by political figures in addition to an opportunity of participating in a question and answer session.

Keep up to date with the conversation on our twitter and facebook or use #UKYP17