Medway Liberal Democrats are supporting World Youth Skills Day on 12 August

Medway Liberal Democrats are supporting World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) on the 12 August. WYSD is organised by UNESCO, and this year's theme "Youth Engagement for Global Action" highlights the ways in which young people engage at a local, national and global level and enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes.

At a local level we strongly support the Medway Youth Council (MYC), which gives an opportunity for young people to participate in a forum, with representatives from all around our town's. Liberal Democrats have taken part in a number of local 'Political Question Time' panel discussions and found the breadth and quality of the questions asked, always impressive and reflects the civic-minded nature of participants.

Representatives on the MYC have campaigned to raise awareness about our town's homeless community, volunteered at local shelters and campaigned to provide healthier food options in schools. MYC courses have been held on domestic abuse, and first aid to equip MYC members with life-saving skills with support from on Nucleus Arts on providing space for meetings.

Vivienne Parker, Chair of Medway Liberal Democrats said "Our national policy is calling to extend the right to vote in all elections and referendums for 16 to 17 year olds.

We recognise that local young people are taking a stand and want to shape the course of politics for the sake of their future and a forum that represents young people politically gives a much needed ivoice in the local decision-making process.

Last year, a "Make Your Mark" named ballot, found that 40% of young people in Medway wanted "Protect The Environment" to be pushed as a national campaign. This clearly demonstrates that young people care passionately about our local environment and this should be reflected in any future policy by the Council.

Liberal Democrats know that in these challenging times the work and role of the Youth Council has a clear mandate and voice for Medway's young people and will make a significant difference."

Notes for Editors

Additional information on World Youth Skills Day 2020

The aim of IYD 2020 is to shed light on the need to enable the engagement of youth by making local, national and global institutions more inclusive for the purpose of strengthening their capacity (and relevance) to achieve global action.

Follow on twitter @UN4Youth | @UNDESASocial and on: facebook.com/UN4Youth

Additional information on the role of Medway Youth Council

Medway Youth Council (MYC) started in 1998, as the Medway Youth Parliament, to address issues raised by young people, and to act as a consultative group for decision-makers. Medway Youth Council holds two non-voting members on the Medway Council's Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny committee which scrutinises services and policies relating to children's services throughout Medway. Its remit includes early years, education, youth justice, social care, children and family services and scrutiny of children's health.

The Medway Youth Council is a full member of the British Youth Council, and is part of the British Youth Council's network. Medway Youth Council gives young people across all the Medway towns a voice and helps them to promote their role in our community.

They give young people the chance to discuss relevant issues, engage with decision makers and contribute to improving the lives of young people within their communities.

There are currently over 620 youth Councils active across the UK. They work with all levels of local government including Parish and Community Councils as well as Unitary Authorities, Borough and County Councils.

©Medway Youth Council 2018 - 2020 Gun Wharf, Dock Road Chatham ME4 4TR

T: (01634 338748) The Medway Youth Council is an association, supported by Medway Council