Read each candidate's manifesto to make an informed decision.
Hey there! I'm Arron, a student from Basingstoke's secondary school, and I'm absolutely buzzing about the prospect of joining the Hampshire Youth Parliament. I'm brimming with excitement because I truly believe that our voices, the voices of the youth, shouldn't just echo but resonate powerfully. This isn't just a personal dream of mine; it's a commitment to being a genuine advocate for everyone, especially our fellow young minds. I'm not about making hollow promises; I'm here to confront real issues head-on. From the unequal distribution of resources among students to post-school unemployment and the uphill battle of mental health challenges – my vision is to spearhead campaigns that not only talk the talk but create tangible impacts. I want our concerns to move beyond mere acknowledgment; I'm determined to actively address them. As your representative in the Youth Parliament, my mission is to amplify the voices of those who need it the most – individuals grappling with unemployment and facing mental health hurdles. I want to be the go-to person ensuring that their struggles are not just on the agenda but at the forefront of actionable initiatives. Let's delve into priorities! Hampshire, brace yourselves for an exhilarating wave of inspiration. I'm not just thinking locally; I'm dreaming big for the entire United Kingdom. Challenges may arise, but my imagination knows no bounds – together, we'll overcome anything that comes our way. And when you step up to the polls, don't forget the hashtag: #voteforayoungvoicevoteforAJ. It's not just about me; it's about choosing a future where our voices hold weight in Hampshire and beyond. In essence, my manifesto is a passionate call to turn dreams into actions. Your vote for me is a vote for a leader who not only talks the talk but walks the walk for the young people of Hampshire. Let's conjure up some magic and make it happen! 🌟✨😊
I'm Asani, passionate about politics and making a difference. I value liberty, justice, and community improvement. In summer 2023, I started a petition against BT's 2025 landline upgrade, gathering 120,000+ signatures and £14,000 in funds. I've engaged with the leader of the switchover and remain committed to our goal. I am part of the school chaplaincy team and volunteered at primary a school. With experience as a Student Voice Representative, I'm dedicated to creating positive change. Your vote for me can make a difference. ‘Empowering Youth, Developing Our Future’ Democracy In Schools – If elected, I'll strive for more political education in schools. This means teachers should explain how politics works, why it's important, and how to engage with it. I'll also work to create an environment where students feel free to voice their opinions, even if they differ from their teachers or classmates. School should be a safe space for open debates, not a house of criticism. Why? Preparing young people to vote is crucial. If the voting age is lowered to 16, we must provide political education and debate in schools. Without this knowledge, the next generation may not know who to vote for or how policies may affect them, potentially leading to low voting participation. Having a foundation in political skills is necessary in our world which is getting more affected by politics. Free Bus fare for Students - I'll aim to discuss with Stagecoach and the Government to make bus travel for school-going under 16's free. This has been successfully implemented in London for years. I believe it can be effective in easing traffic congestion in expanding areas like Basingstoke. Why? Free bus travel makes school access easier, reducing educational barriers. The cost-of-living crisis affects parents' ability to afford fares, raising concerns about children's access to education. It also reduces road congestion and lowers CO2 emissions, benefiting the local community. Additionally, free bus travel fosters youth independence. Basingstoke must cut carbon emissions for a greener, cleaner environment. Affordable Education – I promise to work with the government to help create higher education more affordable and reduce student debt by discussing policies with the government. Why? This will be essential, as the cost-of-living crisis continues, many students won’t be able to afford University/Higher Education, on top of accommodation, food etc. It is important that the government are taking care of the well-being of university students as the constant pressure of assignments on top of everything else is damaging for students. The government must do more to promote the mental health of university students. Overall, you should vote for me for change. I show the experience needed to be an effective Youth-MP. No other candidates have the experience like me, as seen with my petition and the funds raised, and number of supporters. I promise all of you that I will strive for change to make the community greener, for a more empowered youth and to bring attention to student well-being, and student costs. '
I am Bogdan I am standing to be an MYP because there are problems people are ignoring. For example there might be a lot of litter which might pollute the land or might have already polluted the land. If i am elected i will try spread awareness through schools, organisations, or places. If more people become more aware in more detail people may do more to solve these issues. I am passionate about cleaning the environment and trying to help others. Young people in the local area can have their voices heard by giving the the young people more confidence so they can talk about it in a speech or get a group of people who also support the idea.
Hi everyone, my name is Eliana (Eli) B and I’m in the running to be your MYP! Here are some things about myself I’m a 14-year-old my birthday is in May and I’m in year 10! Reasons you should vote for me: -I’ve been DMYP before, so I have some experience and I’ve been student voice in school, so I get the feel of democracy. – I’m passionate about the things you tell me and will do everything in my power to make sure that it happens. - I’m kind and considerate of others and will make sure I take all your views into consideration. I will be a voice onto the young people for a generation and make sure that as youth we will succeed. Hope this encourages you to vote for me.
Hello, youths of Hampshire my name is Felix and I want your vote for MYP (Member of Youth Parliament) but why should you vote for me. I am passionate about preventing young crime and educating children on the dangers of the real world. An issue that has been going on recently is young knife crime and drug misuse. Many children are getting into mind altering drugs at a young age and are most vulnerable to street gangs. Every day young teens are swayed into drugs and crime by social media. In England the sources such as these are readily available. Help me to make social media safe again from the hurt and damage misled children cause. No child is bad only an influence. #MakeSocialMediaSafe
Hello there! I’m Gabriel Llewellyn-Hyde and I’m applying to become a member of the Hampshire Youth Parliament. If elected, I would be your voice, to raise awareness on local topics and concerns. I would also like to focus on two key topics, making Hampshire more aware and inclusive of disabilities and looking after our environment and the world around us. As part of the youth Parliament, I would help to carry out the current and future initiatives working with other members, youth groups, schools, local businesses and communities making Hampshire a better place. Do you know, 1.9 million people in the UK between the age of 5-16 struggle with their speech & language and I’m included in this. Speech & language disabilities are not always obvious. You want to be able to express your feelings, speak up for yourself or to voice your opinions, but for some it is not that easy. Therefore, I would like to implement basic sign language in schools for everyone, allowing a secondary means of communication for people with speech and hearing difficulties. For me to achieve this role I need your help and support, please believe in me and place your vote. Thank you!
I come from Basingstoke, and I am seeking your votes into the Hampshire Youth Parliament for the NORTH WEST CONSTITUENCY. I have been involved in being a voice for my peers and being deeply rooted in my surrounding communities, starting from my primary school days as the head of the student council and as a current representative for my secondary school year for 2 years running. Presently, I am also a part of my school Chaplaincy team and school music group. Outside of school, I am involved with the Basingstoke Area Youth Wind Orchestras where I play the Alto saxophone. I used to play for the Basingstoke Junior Bison Ice Hockey Team during pre-covid times and I have volunteered for various cultural events within my local community. Franklin D Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, once stated that “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future” and the Hampshire Youth Parliament is part of that building block. So personally, I am standing for Hampshire Youth parliament for the young people of our constituency who have been suppressed, victims of discrimination and injustice and are unable to tell those who can help them. I have witnessed youth just like myself who have bottled up these feelings, who then try and suppress their feelings in harmful ways such as using drugs and smoking, thereby depriving themselves of opportunities to thrive and have successful educations. Recently, there has been an uptick in reports of youths being exposed to the harm of substance abuse. This is one that has affected my community recently. If elected, I will champion having more help programs being accessible and leading a campaign through posters to create positivity and awareness. I will champion more resources that will target these members of our generation to change attitudes and assumptions and empower us to speak up about issues troubling us especially to adults supporting us. The reason I feel a real need to act is because I have witnessed these problems and how they affect our young minds and as Nelson Mandela said, “the youths of today, are the leaders of tomorrow”. For quite some time, I have had personal interests in democracy, substance abuse and youth crime, of which I use to have argumentative debates with peers and people around me. Apart from serious topics, I enjoy basketball and jazz/music which consumes most of my free time, but mostly I enjoy keeping my time occupied with lots of extracurricular such as saxophone and basketball and also memorizing flags and countries. As part of my representation of our constituency, I will promote installation of query boxes in schools and clubs in our area, which we will use anonymously to put queries, suggestions and highlight other problems which I can put forward at future Hampshire Youth Parliament events. I, IKENNA, look forward to your support for my candidature to represent the NORTH WEST CONSTITUENCY in the HAMPSHIRE YOUTH PARLIAMENT ELECTION.
I am applying to be a MYP because I want to change issues, to make sure people like me are heard. Also change issues with the public that need to be changed. I would also like to spread awareness about the issues and why it is a problem, what other people want and why it should be heard. If I was elected, I would fight against problems that’s causing a big impact or just has some sort of affect on people. (e.g. Money.) I will also make sure young people are heard. I have social anxiety and believe it or not, I like talking/saying about my ideas. I also like music and writing stories. I am passionate about, spreading awareness, fighting against problems that should NOT happen, making sure the people who want to be heard get heard. I also want to hear other people’s opinions and ideas with what they think should happen. I will ensure people around my age (younger, older etc.) will be heard by making posters, videos, assemblies social media events etc. I really think that younger people should be heard too. They should have the same rights (to an extent) as adults.
The girl with the smile will go the extra mile. I am Julia, I’m a passionate tennis player from North-West Hampshire. I have a vision that young people and their voices are being heard. I want to make it happen by focusing on problems which are relevant to young people like me. Many children in the UK suffer from mental disorders. For example, about 7% of UK children have attempted suicide by the age of 17. Also last year, 18% of children aged 7 to 16 suffered with a probable mental disorder. Such high numbers are unacceptable! Therefore, I would like to ensure mental health support groups are easily accessible and preventative measures such as antibullying or antidiscrimination campaigns are organised regularly to ensure no one is feeling left out or harassed. Another issue I would like to tackle, is the amount of young people who do not have access to the required technology. According to the UNICEF 2020 report, in the UK about 10% of households do not have digital equipment or broadband access. Also, can you imagine that in the UK alone, 4.3 million children are living below the poverty line?! That’s almost 1 in 3! We have to do something to get it changed! We all should have the same starting point! I would like to work with different charities and organisations to make laptops and internet available for all pupils, so we could all have equal possibilities at school. I am also very concerned about the state of our planet. The speed of global warming and climate change is scary. Our Earth’s climate has already warmed by about 1.2 degree Celsius since the preindustrial times. It may not seem like a lot, but please consider what a difference -0.6⁰C and +0.6⁰C can mean to an iceberg. It is a very significant increase, as more heat means more droughts and wildfires in some places but also more floods in other areas. All forms of transportation combined produce around 28% of greenhouse gas emissions. However, that is nothing compared to meat production, which accounts for nearly 60% of all greenhouse gases. One kilogram of beef produces an average of 99.48 kilograms of carbon dioxide therefore just one vegan day a week can save nearly 50 kilograms of CO2 per year. Thereby I would like to campaign to schools to offer more vegetarian and vegan options to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
My name is Kara. I enjoy sports and helping the environment. I would like you to vote for me so I can do more to help the environment. Why should you vote for the environment? Because litter is a big factor of climate change, reducing litter will be a step towards solving climate change. I'm not promising an end to climate change but leaving it up to other people will not change anything, we must all do our part. The environment isn't the only problem, we all have difficulties in our lives. I need to hear your voices so we can make a difference in this school and the world we live in. The times we are living in now are unprecedented, our parents and teachers did not have to worry about AI technology, cyber bullying, or even the increasing violence in the world is terrifying. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I can promise that I will listen to you, help you and do my best for you every day.
I am Nicole, and I am excited to declare my candidacy for the Hampshire Youth Parliament. I strongly believe in the significant impact that young people have in shaping the future of our community. I have observed the potential of our generation and the challenges we encounter, including education, mental health, and community engagement. These challenges have inspired me to advocate for those who require a voice. I am dedicated to serving as a committed, enthusiastic, and efficient advocate for the youth of Hampshire. By collaborating, we possess the ability to shape a more promising future that brings advantages to all. Upon assuming office, I will promptly take necessary measures to fulfil my duties and create a beneficial influence. A key goal of mine is to support the reduction of the voting age to 16, recognising that young individuals are impacted by governmental choices and should have a say in them. I will tirelessly work towards promoting this change by engaging with local leaders, educators, and fellow Youth Parliament members. I will work closely with mental health organisations, schools, and healthcare providers to tackle the problem of youth mental health. Our collective efforts will focus on enhancing access to mental health support, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and increasing awareness about the significance of mental well-being. Additionally, I am committed to improving educational opportunities for students in Hampshire. This involves advocating for better resources, after-school programs, and initiatives that promote career development. This involves advocating for better resources, after-school programs, and initiatives that promote career development. Furthermore, I will actively work on initiatives to promote environmental sustainability in Hampshire, supporting green infrastructure projects and organising events to raise awareness. I am committed to advocating for improved resources, after-school programs, and career development initiatives that will empower our youth to excel academically and prepare for their future. Additionally, I am deeply concerned about the environment and will actively work on initiatives to promote environmental sustainability in Hampshire. This includes supporting green infrastructure projects and organising local clean-up and conservation efforts. I am running for the Hampshire Youth Parliament, and I want to make it clear that I am not just an individual, but a representative of the hopes and dreams of our community. My manifesto outlines a vision of progress, empowerment, and positive change. I am confident in the potential of our generation and am dedicated to turning that potential into a reality. However, I cannot accomplish this monumental task single-handedly and your support, ideas, and trust are indispensable in this journey. Your voice, your vote, your future. Thank you for taking the time to read my manifesto and thank you for all your support in this journey so far, I hope you have a wonderful day!
Hi, my name is Noah. I have the pleasure and honour of running for youth parliament. Here is a list of things I am going to campaign for: • Animal welfare: make it easier to add animals to the endangered species list. One in six species are at risk of going extinct in Britain and I feel it is our responsibility to help prevent this. • Human welfare: raise the minimum wage and increase unemployment benefits. 14.2 million people live in poverty in the UK. This poor standard of living affects their health, happiness and prospects as well as the prospects of their children. With our help, their lives could dramatically improve which would be a massive benefit to all of society. • Ecological welfare: give farmers government grants to cover their costs. Farming is a critical industry to the country and the economic stress has led to us losing a fifth of our farms over the last 10 years. This situation cannot be allowed to continue as this would cause us to have to import more food and cause the prices to continually rise. Increased imports also cause increased environmental damage. How will I ensure that the people are heard? I will set up and publicise a designated e-mail address that will be checked weekly, which anyone can send their ideas and comments to. I will also hold an open zoom meeting one week before each official meeting of the youth parliament to ensure I have the most up-to-date thoughts and opinions of my constituency. About me: I am hardworking and intelligent young man with a passion for history. I love to go to re-enactment and LARP (Live action roleplay) events with family and friends. I like to consider myself a polymath and have a wide variety of interests in a wide variety of subjects. I have experience at public speaking having performed in the theatre several times as an actor, singer and dancer. I think serving others is a privilege and would love the opportunity to serve my local community by being a part of the Youth Parliament as I genuinely believe that I can help make a difference.
Hi, I’m Sophie and I’m running for youth parliament as I would love to represent the young people of Hampshire, voice their concerns, and empower them so that everyone is able to help make a step in the right direction. If I were elected, I would like to focus on the following three issues which are affecting young people in Hampshire and the UK: Firstly, since the pandemic, the number of young people with mental health issues has escalated, and if the government were to raise mental health awareness in schools, I am sure that we would be able to get rid of the stigma around it. School is one of the key contributors to stress and anxiety due to academic pressure, bullying and peer pressure, just to name a few. I think that the government should do more to provide support for students who are facing challenges to ensure that they get the most out of school. I believe this problem could be addressed by introducing more mental health specialists to each school so that students feel that they have somebody to confide in who understands them and can help them. In addition, teachers and staff should be encouraged to regularly check on students to identify those who are struggling so that they can be helped sooner. Secondly, as we have been in a cost-of-living crisis for over a year, the cost of school uniforms and school meals has risen. I believe that the government should provide more funding for school meals so that the prices can be lowered. Also, uniforms should be made more affordable by providing vouchers, for example. Schools should also alter their uniform policy so that students can buy their uniforms from other shops rather than the specialist supplier. For instance, rather than buying blue school-branded PE shorts, a student should be allowed to purchase blue shorts from another supplier. Thirdly, I believe that the government should alter the curriculum to make it more relevant, diverse and inclusive. Schools should prepare students for working and adult life. This could be done by teaching them skills that will help them in the future, for example, by teaching students about taxes. Students should be taught about current affairs so that they are aware of international issues and informed about the difficulties faced by people in other parts of the world. For instance, students should be taught about conflicts and wars going on at the moment, issues with climate change, poverty and more. Therefore, students would see the direct link between what they are learning and today's world. Students would also benefit from being taught more about the achievements of Minority figures so they can appreciate the work of people from a wider range of backgrounds. Thank you so much for reading my manifesto; I would love the opportunity to speak on behalf of the young people of Hampshire. Let’s make a difference.
Hi my name is Summer, and I am standing to be one of the MYP’s because I think that the education system is unfair and that the students are suffering with mental health issues and some feel they can't stand up and speak out about it and be able to have a voice. I have struggled with mental health problems in the past and still do but I have learnt that it is always better to speak out and say something about what they are struggling with and so they can get the help they need. If i was elected i would make sure that i can speak up for the ones that need help but can't find the help they need is a safe place to speak about there help up but schools don't feel like that to some of us will be judged because sometime we are. I am passionate about helping others and to make them feel a bit more happy and make the education more fair and more useful for us so we learn the things we need for adulthood in a day to day life. I will ensure that everyone will be heard whether it is due to mental health or education.
“A Good Education and Good Health always creates Good Generational Wealth”. Are you a young person who's ever felt like your voice goes unheard? Or do you want a change for young people by the young people? Hi, I am Tamfor. I am currently doing Faith-in-Action award-including volunteering and Newspaper Club and I’m wanting to be your MYP in the constituency Northwest. I do extra-curriculars like basketball, worship band that helps in masses, helping me access all kinds of different people personalities, cliches, and beliefs, here at school and social media. With this foreknowledge comes an agenda if I am voted as a MYP. 1. Focus on Mental Health Unfortunately, despite all attempts to end discrimination and bullying through education, it always comes back to schools, in new forms. The discriminatory language commonly seen from social media is outright disgusting to call another human being, with emotions just like your own. This in toll, influences their Mental Health. I see people around my life self-harming themselves. What am I going to do about this? I think that young people are not taking mental health seriously. This is why I would get more Mental Health Workshops, particularly for young people, so they can express themselves better. I would also encourage others to go see therapists and trained individuals. This would not just be for those with lower Mental Health, it also means people understand the importance of Mental Health and learn. I think Hampshire’s future generation benefits if we educate about such a significant part of our lives then ignore the higher suicide rates [1], and worsening of mental health past COVID-19 [2]. *[1] Data-Rising Suicide rates amongst adolescents in UK and Wales- The Lancet *[2] Data- Impact Report 2022. 2. Education and Campaigning Free School Meals & Free Transport Unfortunately, our schools are significantly underfunded. An example of this is increased school dinners. I’m sure you have noticed in schools have raised their prices for school meals across Hampshire. This was expected due to the under-funding of our schools. Why should the future generation be taught in places which are struggling by themselves to give them the proper education we deserve? What am I going to do about this? I am going advocate for the government to fund more into our school system. This would improve standards of education as GCSE’s are returning to their former difficulty. would also boost UKYP’s Free School meals campaign, “Food for learning”. This is a campaign to get free school meals across Hampshire. I am doing this because I believe that my fellow young people across Hampshire will benefit from a better education and target our less-fortunate areas. This will also include free public transport. Advocate free public transport for young people will help people in more rural and remote areas of Hampshire get to school easier, improving the environments, benefiting your lives outside of school.
Are you tired of not being heard? If you feel the government is not taking young people seriously; vote for me so I can become part of the Hampshire Youth Parliament (HYP) to create positive changes for the future. I want to encourage young people (ages 11-18) to speak to me about the problems they are facing. I believe what you think and feel about your future, matters. I am very passionate about politics being used for the good of all, and about the well-being of young people in my local area. If I am elected, I will focus on the issues that matter to you. Issues like social media echo chambers putting young people at risk with social pressure and far-right influences. This is a big issue facing students in schools according to educators and young people. Furthermore, issues like the covid hangover impacting mental health, feelings of confidence or insecurities and becoming unsocial. Issues like social justice, cost of living and inequality impacting whole communities within Hampshire and the surrounding areas. Issues like creating a healthy and sustainable environment that young people can live and thrive in. Protecting biodiversity and wildlife for years to come. So, who am I? And why do I deserve your vote? I am a big believer in speaking to people and learning what people are going through; this is why I strongly back Make Your Mark (MYM). Your vote is your voice. I vow to listen to young people in my constituency should I be elected. My goals are simple, and they are: • Promoting the Hampshire Youth Parliament (HYP). • Supporting the rights of young people. • Making a change in where we have a say in what affects us. • I also think the voting age should be lowered to 16 so we have a choice on who leads us. These are some of the things the government needs to address for us, and I will do my best if I am elected to help highlight and fight the issues that matter to you. Make Your Mark (MYM) is also an important initiative and I back the right for young people to vote on these things affecting them. Our generation will shape the future we chose to create. Choice’s matter. Your voice matters. To shape our future; we should have a voice. This is what you vote for, if you vote for me, a voice.
Hi everybody, My name is Vicky and I am running for Hampshire Youth Parliament Representative for the North West constituency. I live in Basingstoke and I am 12 years old. I am really passionate about the environment and if I get elected, I will do my best to help to save our home planet. We all know that stopping climate change is impossible, but by planting trees and using our cars less we can slow down the process of the Earth heating up. Scientists have found Earth-like planets such as Kepler 22b but it is over 600 light years away but we have no way to get there yet. We need to save our Earth so that our children and grandchildren have somewhere to live. Another issue that we are facing today is Racism and other forms of discrimination. I’m sure we can all agree that we want our future families to grow up in a world where everyone is free to be who they are, whatever their skin colour, sexuality, religion or background. Child slavery is still around, even in England, but it gets overlooked because people say that there are more important things to teach in schools and play on the news but the truth is, that if we raise awareness about these issues, more people will be encouraged to finally put a stop to this. Asking the government to put more lessons about stopping discrimination into secondary school curriculums would really help tackle Racism, Sexism and other inequalities. During the voting period you will hopefully receive a code. That code counts as your one and only vote for your Hampshire Youth Parliament Representative. Vote Vicky and make your vote count. Help me to make your wish of a better world come true. Together we can make this world a better place, for people and the environment.
I am standing to be an MYP because I am passionate and skilled at debating, dedicated and hardworking and have a deep interest in politics and the world around me. Furthermore, I believe it is a necessity to listen to the voices of the people no matter their age. I also believe in the importance of bridging the gap between the government and youth as there is such a divide due to many factors, such as, the fact that under 18's can’t vote and therefore aren’t campaigned to and their needs are overlooked or generalized in the department of education when it goes beyond that. This ultimately has decreased the participation levels of youth in politics, and I’m prepared to change that. What will I do if elected? If I am elected, I will: 1. Handcraft surveys and send them to youth targeted areas such as Schools and clubs so I can get specific details and insight into the opinion of our youth today. 2. Liaise with my fellow YP members so we can set up meetings and campaigns to talk to certain governing bodies in order to come up with policies and ideas which our youth want to focus on and hopefully enact changes 3. Keep my community informed on all the developments and exciting things going on in the Youth Parliament and hopefully spark more interest and engagement in politics! What am I passionate about? I am very passionate about politics and debating as I love public speaking. For example, I won the best Speaker in the region for a National debating and public speaking competition 2 years in a row and was part of the student council all of my time in secondary school. I’m also very passionate about sports as I love working with others and like utilizing everyone’s strengths. As well as sports I also love hearing different opinions and ideas as I believe they help to strengthen my own ideas hence why I have such a deep love for reading and watching debates. Lastly, I am also really passionate about learning lots of new things hence why I have so many hobbies such as: cooking, dancing and traveling. How will I ensure the young people in my constituency have their voices heard? To ensure the young people in my constituency have their voice heard I will write and deliver well prepared speeches and campaigns to the youth Parliament so that young people in my constituency are best represented. I will also have regular communication with young people through a variety of ways such as polls on social media, questionnaires, surveys, and possibly scheduling meetings with the young people who take part in student council and pass on their message. Lastly, I will utilise my resources, such as talking to people who may be more knowledgeable on a topic than I am and can be given the correct knowledge and guidance to ensure I’m giving the young people the best platform to have their voices heard.