Tom, 14 from Llandyfan is our elected member of the UK Youth Parliament for 2018/19.
Tom led on the 2018 ‘Make Your Mark’ Ballot in Carmarthenshire, which is the largest youth consultation across the UK with 954,766 young people taking part. Tom and his team encouraged 5,076 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:
• 1,035 votes – Mental Health
• 620 votes – Tackling Homelessness
• 599 votes – A Curriculum to prepare us for life
• 599 votes – Equal pay for Equal work
• 595 votes – put an end to knife crime
Top 5 results for Carmarthenshire
Tom joined members of the UKYP in the House of Commons on Friday 9th November to debate and decide on the most important issue to campaign on for 2019. Tom was amongst 24 members representing Wales at the event.
The 2 National Campaigns for 2018/19 voted on by the UKYP Members at the House of Commons Debate in November were ‘To Put An End to Knife Crime’ and ‘Votes at 16’.
On behalf of the Youth Council and the UKYP Tom has thanked all young people in Carmarthenshire that facilitated and took part in the Make Your Mark Ballot this year, the largest number of young people to vote in Make Your Mark since it began in 2011.
Tom 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.” He 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.”
