Youth Forum & Youth Mayor
The Young People’s Participation service ensures that young people are provided with the opportunity to influence and shape the services that affect them in line with the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Merthyr Tydfil Borough Wide Youth Forum (MTBWYF)
The Merthyr Tydfil Borough Wide Youth Forum (MTBWYF) is open to all young people in the Borough between 11- 25 years of age. Being a member of MTBWYF can have a positive impact on the lives of young people by:
- Challenging the decision-making process around services that affect young people.
- Developing projects around issues that affect young people.
- Providing a greater understanding of the democratic system.
- Increasing young people’s knowledge and self-esteem.
- Assisting young people to recognise and aspire to their goals and aspirations.
- Gain confidence in public speaking.
MTBWYF meets twice a month at the Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil Centre, 89-90 High Street, Merthyr Tydfil, 6.30pm to 8.00pm.
Youth Cabinet and Youth Mayor
Members of MTBWYF who are interested in getting more involved in issues that affect young people can join the Youth Cabinet.
The Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor are members of the Youth Cabinet. Every year an election for the Deputy Youth Mayor takes place with the previous Deputy Youth Mayor being officially inaugurated to the full office of Youth Mayor. Any young person aged 11 to 25 living in Merthyr Tydfil can nominate themselves as a candidate for the Deputy Youth Mayor role.
The responsibility of Youth Mayor, in addition to their youth cabinet role, is to become the first Youth Citizen for the County Borough and to be the voice of young people in Merthyr Tydfil. They also accompany the Mayor in a number of Civic duties, such as the Christmas Carol Service and Remembrance Sunday commemorations and they also nominate to support a charity of their choice.
For further information about the programme or how to get involved, please contact Chloe Rees at Safer Merthyr Tydfil, Tel: 01685 353999 or Email cr@smt.org.uk