A call has gone out to teenagers across the district to stand in Mansfield District Council Youth Mayor election.

Young people must be nominated through their school to qualify as a candidate by June 19, with the elections being held in schools in October during Local Democracy Week. Candidates must be aged 14 to 18 and live in the Mansfield District Council area.

Last year Danielle Bridges, (pictured) aged 16, from Samworth Church Academy, Mansfield, was voted in as Youth Mayor and has since been involved in helping young people have a voice on policy-making at the council and with partner and other community organisations.

Among the issues she campaigned on were to:

•Strengthen the connection between the older and younger generations to improve the image of young people.
•Give gifted young people more opportunities to showcase their talents.
•Promote activities to encourage teenagers to try new sports and to get active.
•Raise awareness of clubs for young people.

She said: “Being Youth Mayor has been an opportunity I’ll never forget. I have met some inspirational people such as the Royal College of Defence Studies delegates and made friendships with members of Nottingham’s Youth Parliament.

“This experience has allowed me to work closely with the community and become a voice for young people in Mansfield.

“I would recommend any young person to put themselves forward for the programme because I have seen myself grow massively in confidence, especially when public speaking. It has also helped me make a contribution to the local community, take responsibility seriously and be an ambassador to young people.

“My term so far as Youth Mayor has been full of enjoyable and unforgettable experiences. One of my favourite activities has been attending award ceremonies, such as the volunteer awards and sports awards. These events have allowed me to meet extremely talented people who are a credit to Mansfield.”

Mayor Coun Kate Allsop, said: “The Youth Mayor initiative has really helped to involve young people in the democratic process and local decision-making, which is important at a time when there is generally a fall in the number of young people getting involved in the political process and local government.

“Whoever is elected can be sure to have a full and interesting year which will not only give them an opportunity to meet lots of people, it will also give them a lot of confidence and valuable life skills.”

The Youth Mayor scheme was introduced in 2008. The candidates and the elected Youth Mayor will be fully supported by the Mansfield District Council Community Engagement Team and receive training for an exciting election campaign.

If elected, as well as helping to make a difference to their district and influencing important decisions, the Youth Mayor would also have the chance to represent thousands of young people across Mansfield, the opportunity to talk to the media about their views and to attend local events.

Any teenagers who would like to stand need to first approach their school. More details about the scheme can be found at http://www.mansfield.gov.uk/youthmayor or by emailing [email protected] or calling 01623 463372.