We’ve been working with Carmarthenshire County Councils Youth Support Services and Participation and Children’s Rights Team to give our members and hopefully other young people in the future opportunities to be involved in the recruitment of staff for the Youth Support Services, especially those roles that work face to face with young people.

We bring different skill to the interview process which differs to that of professionals, we look for qualities in a candidate that professionals may not look for, and therefore we can strengthen the interview process.

Amber Treharne, member from Pembray said that being involved in the interviews ‘was a great experience and insight into an interview process. It is absolutely fantastic that the council are encouraging the participation of young people in the process. As young people we can provide a different perspective of the interviewees qualities and how they interact with people of our age group. This has to be the way forward and I would love to see the County Council to give more opportunities for young people to get involved in interviews.”

Not only does having a Young Persons Interview Panel make sure that we have access to our Right to be involved in decisions that affects up but it can also help make sure the council is employing the right people to work with children and young people. A professionals interview panel does not always ask the questions that young people would like to know.

Sarah Powell, Senior Participation and Children’s Officer said that “Young people are good at thinking outside the box, and they know what they want and what they need from the people who work with them. Having a Young Person’s Interview panel is a great opportunity for a recruiting team and for the young people involved. Having the best quality candidate, due to involving young people in the interview process, can assist in improving outcomes for children and young people and the services that we are providing”.

There are a lot of benefits of having a Young Peron’s Interview Panel or having a young person be an equal member of a professional interview panel, having these opportunities to have a say makes us feel more empowered and demonstrates that professionals respect us and our opinions. It can also strengthen the relationship between professionals and young people, giving young people more confidence in professionals and services, as we feel listened to.

I suffered cruelty by a group of bullies from the age of 11, who tortured me to the point that I felt so worthless that I began to self-harm and my mental health deteriorated. Since receiving the help and support I so desperately needed. I have fought to get my life back on track, took back control and now feel I am able to cope better with my mental health. With a little encouragement and a bit of support I have learnt to count the good qualities that I have that has helped me build up my self-esteem and confidence, I passed my exams and I found a job I love doing. These were goals I never thought I’d reach.

I am now looking towards a bright and positive future. With my past experiences and the support from the Youth Council and the participation of children’s rights team I am so excited to be launching our mental health campaign #StoriHarriet because my journey to being in a better and happier place began with a simple conversation.

I realised that starting a conversation can make a huge difference to someone’s life, I am asking you to back my campaign #StoriHarriet and promise to start a conversation as it could change a life by downloading and signing our #StoriHarriet Pledge and then uploading a photo to social media with the hashtag #StoriHarriet.

The campaign was launched by Cllr Glynog Davies, Executive Board Member for Education who signed the first copy of Stori Harriet’s Pledge at the conference with our Chairperson Brittany. Cllr Glynog Davies: “Harriet has an inspiring story to tell which will I’m sure give encouragement and support to others. I congratulate Harriet and the Youth Council for bringing this important and difficult topic to the forefront,” he said. “I hope that people will support and sign Harriet’s pledge.”

I got the inspiration to champion mental health issues and start #StoriHarriet since winning the Carmarthenshire Radio Child of Courage award 2017 in recognition for the strength, fight and courage that I have shown during my personal difficulties.

Over the past 2 months I have begun to share my story with other young people and adults alike, to raise awareness of mental health issues as recent statistics show that 1 in 5 people are affected by mental health issues in the UK. I am passionate to highlight the message to young people that it is a bad day and not a bad life. If you would like to read my story please click on the link StoriHarriet

Support us by downloading and signing our pledge!

Article by Harriet

After a year of campaigning by Gwen and her team we are happy to announce that following a debate and vote at a full council meeting Carmarthenshire County Council are backing Votes@16 supporting the motion giving 16 and 17 years olds the right to vote.

The end of 2016 was an exciting time for us because Carmarthenshire County Council leaders and officers officially signed Carmarthenshire’s Children’s Rights Promise. The Promise makes sure that the rights of children and young people from Carmarthenshire will be respected, taken seriously and considered when the County Council are making decisions.