Key Issue 1: LGBTQ+ support

Key Issue 2: Mental Health Support

Key Issue 3: The Environment

Candidate Statement: I want to be part of the Welsh Youth Parliament because I understand what it’s like as a young person, to not have your voice heard. I want to be a voice for those who can’t share their voice because they are either too shy or feel like they can’t share their voice. I feel like older people seem to think that because we are young, we don’t understand any important and major issues that go on in the world, so I want to show everyone that we do understand these major issues and that we are capable of trying to resolve them. I want to help people who are part of the LGBTQ+ Community to feel like they have a safe space because I know that so many people who are in the community, feel like they can’t come out. I want to help people who are dealing with mental health problems to know that they aren’t alone. There needs to be a change, and that change only starts with you and who you vote for. If you vote for me, I can make sure that your voice is heard and that a change IS made.

Key Issue 1: Environment 

Key Issue 2: Public services 

Key Issue 3: COVID 19

Candidate Statement: My name is Ellis Porter and I want to become a member of the Welsh Youth Parliament because since I was little, I wanted to help people whether that was by helping them crossing the road or by saying hello. I want to get into politics, and I believe that this the best way to get into a political career. I have many qualities that will benefit me while being a member of the Welsh youth parliament such as that I’m a confident and a determined individual that will stop at nothing to get the communities voice heard I will also be prepared to dedicate my time into this role to ensure all voices are heard and to perform the best job that I can possibly do. I’m a tolerant, kind person yet a stubborn one who will not be persuaded easily. Last but not least I have experience as a police cadet which I needed to be tolerant, helpful and kind which are qualities I possess.

Key Issue 1: Child poverty

Key Issue 2: Over-reliance on exams

Key Issue 3: Air pollution 

Candidate Statement: I wish to become a member of the Welsh Youth Parliament in order to help the young people in my community get involved in national decision making. I will represent you, and your views. We need to speak, and I will be your voice.

In the past few years, the flaws in our education system have been highlighted, one of which being the over-reliance on examinations. We need more focus on coursework, and less on that one exam per subject, said to determine our futures. It shouldn’t. I promise to push change. 

Almost 1/3 of children still live in poverty in Wales. There’s a lack of affordable educational opportunities for students, for instance, expensive school trips exclude those from poorer backgrounds. This needs to change.

I intend to offer youths in Caerphilly the opportunity to join a virtual meeting once a month. We will gather their views and share ideas.

To conclude, I am equipped with the communication and leadership skills necessary to be your spokesperson. I consider myself a confident speaker, have experience presenting on a national level, performing to large audiences, and volunteering in my community. 

Thank you.

Key Issue 1: Helping control offending youths.

Key Issue 2: More activities stopping antisocial behaviour.

Key Issue 3: Train youths on health safety.

Candidate Statement: I would like to be a Welsh Youth Parliament member because I have always wanted to help my peers and do what I can to make a change for the better. I will consult with young people in many ways. Finding activities and educational days would be my main priority to spread news and help. I would put a suggestion box somewhere accessible to the majority, reading these suggestions often and taking action. 

I believe that if you want the best change and someone involved who is determined and hardworking that you should vote for me. When I decide something, I will do everything in my power to get it done.

I have worked in a team many times and I have taken part in many days of speeches and task completing with outside clubs and professionals. I am good at solving things when given to me. I was also 5 points off becoming a member of Mensa. This is why I believe I should be a member.

Key Issue 1: Global warming

Key Issue 2: Mental health

Key Issue 3: Homophobia

Candidate Statement: I would like to become a Welsh Youth Parliament member in order to gain more confidence, while also being able to represent young people like me. I would Love to help others by expressing the views of many young people in my area. Many people have described me as a very open-minded and accepting person. Personally, I believe these qualities will help me bring a wide variety of perspectives to the table. Additionally, I am very  driven and when appropriate can convey my interests/ perspectives on matters important to me such as each of my key issues.

Key Issue 1: Antisocial behaviour 

Key Issue 2: Drugs and alcohol misuse

Key Issue 3: Underage sex and sexual assault 

Candidate Statement: I, Kian Harding plan to change the local community for the better. The community has been riddled with drugs and violence. I feel that we need a change, a change for good, a change from all the bad behaviour and antisocial behaviour. Vote for me if you want things to change for the better. I will let the people of Wales have a voice and they can make the decisions, as I will be there to guide them. If you vote for me, things will change for the better, it’s up to you let your vote count.

Key issue 1: The Welsh language

Key issue 2: Sustainability

Key issue 3: An assembly area for young children

Candidate Statement: It is a privilege to have the opportunity to apply to be a member of the Welsh Youth Parliament. I am passionate about making Caerphilly a safe, friendly and sustainable area for every child in the area and would love to share my ideas on how to make that possible.

I am part of the ‘Welshness’ sub-committee, but in primary school I was always interested in getting involved with the School Council. I have memories of being a young child who had lots of ideas to inspire my peers, to speak the Welsh language, to be kind to each other, and to keep the school clean and tidy.

Having posters advertising the work of the Welsh Youth Parliament around schools and public places in Wales would be a good place to start, to get all children to work together and to know that they have a right to have their say.

I’m good at teamwork, and I’m happy to share my ideas with the Welsh Youth Parliament. I have a lot to offer the group, and it would be an honour to work with children and young people who want Wales to be a peaceful place. 

Thank you, and please vote for Mili Lewis!

Key Issue 1: Health 

Key Issue 2: Healthy eating 

Key Issue 3: Anti bullying 

Candidate Statement: I think I would be good for the Welsh youth parliament because I am a positive person.

Key Issue 1: Poverty/social exclusion

Key Issue 2: Health/social care 

Key Issue 3: Education inequality 

Candidate Statement: I want to be a Welsh Youth Parliament member because I am passionate about making positive change on large scales; I believe that younger people deserve to have their voices heard on relevant topics. My school is supportive about students/youths voicing personal opinions, I will use this to my advantage to work with staff and the student council to have meetings with pupils where they will get a chance to voice their opinions and what they believe should change in Wales. I deserve someone’s vote because I am a hard-working, passionate, and confident candidate that suits leadership roles. In the past I have been on the school council and eco council for multiple years, during which I held and attended multiple meetings which voiced and fixed concerns on a range of topics. For many years I was a manager of a school newspaper which students could read and join; the newspaper included important topics such as environmental issues and community issues. The newspaper gained people from three different year groups which were all passionate about voicing change. I believe these experiences make me a good candidate because they prove my skills as a leader and as an activist.

Key Issue 1: Lack of good politicians

Key Issue 2: Lack of long traffic lights

Key Issue 3: Lack of actually important Laws

Candidate Statement: I think Wales is losing its life because of the troubles in the area.

I think I’d be a good candidate for the Welsh Youth Parliament because I was in the St Cenydd Pupil Senedd for two years and people liked the work I had put in over that time, and I had also made some good points that the whole Senedd agreed with. 

I was voted into the Senedd because I was one to make good points, and everyone thought my points were good, and that I was worthy of being on the St Cenydd Pupil Senedd and I was a good asset to it. 

In the meetings, I made good points and I got along with the Senedd. That must surely mean I get along with the Parliament. I should be elected because I don’t force my views on other people who don’t want any views forced upon them. Politics is something I like to voice my opinion on and if I’m in the parliament, then I can ensure safety to all the Welsh schools and make sure every child enters school unharmed and leaves their school unharmed, for ever. So that’s why I should be in WYP.

Key Issue 1: Keeping the Welsh countryside clean. 

Key Issue 2: Preserving & Promoting Devolution in Wales. 

Key Issue 3: Promoting Welsh culture & attractions. 

Candidate Statement: I view devolution in Wales to be important for the growth of Wales. I feel that by becoming a member I can present not only my views but the views of young people across my area. As somebody who not only engages with young people in person but online too I am confident that I am aware & knowledgeable on issues that affect or are important to young people locally and all over Wales. 

During my time at school I had heavily involved myself in the School Council as well as being head of house at my school during Yr 10 – 11 in which I was deeply involved in charity fundraising & establishing a variety of clubs and activities to suit the needs of young people at my school. 

Key Issue 1: Safe space for gender identities

Key Issue 2: Eradicating bullying in schools

Key Issue 3: Increasing engagement in young voices

Candidate Statement: I would love to be a part of the Welsh Youth Parliament because I love volunteering and advocating for young people’s voices. I feel that young people’s views aren’t taken seriously and I want Wales to be a safe space for everyone.

I am already part of a few projects involving young people’s voice, such as Youth Forum and Regional Forum, so this will allow me to consult many different opinions from people of all walks of life. I have been volunteering for over five years across many projects so you can be assured that I am dedicated and will always keep your best interest when advocating for your voice.

I am very confident public speaking and leading workshops, so your voice will be heard and recognised by me no matter the setting. If you choose me as your representative, you will be represented with professionalism, pride and enthusiasm. Thank you for reading, and good luck to all other candidates.

Key Issue 1: Mental wellbeing 

Key Issue 2: Physical opportunities for all 

Key Issue 3: Equality

Candidate Statement: I would like to be a member of the youth parliament to give us, young people, a voice. If selected to represent you, I’ll circulate information through schools and email. Connecting and listening to you via emails, forms and virtual meetings. Your voice is vital. I’ll ensure your voice is heard so young people are at the very core of decision making.

I volunteer as a young leader for a local Scouts group. I use collaboration and planning skills to assist with organizing and running sessions. I love being a young leader, there are  opportunities to inspire the future, teach life skills and encourage better mental health.  I can share these experiences on a larger scale through the youth parliament giving more young people opportunities.

I’m a Welsh speaker who is passionate about equality. I would be proud to represent the local area and highlight any issues or concerns you have. I’m a keen sports person and eager for challenges. I give 100% to everything I do. I recently completed the Carten, a 108 mile cycle from Cardiff to Tenby, this shows how I persevere and face challenges. I believe my mindset would help me be a good Senedd member. 

Key Issue 1: Children’s mental health and wellbeing

Key Issue 2: Substance abuse near children

Key Issue 3: Domestic abuse

Candidate Statement: I would like to be a member of the Welsh Youth Parliament because I feel that I am very confident with speaking about issues and concerns of children and teens around my age and I think that my 3 key issues need to be addressed. Children and teens who have had experiences relating to my points will feel less alone and more supported if they hear that their problems are being listened to in the Welsh Youth Parliament. I feel that I am confident when speaking opinions on behalf of my generation. I am a good listener who considers others thoughts, ideas and opinions and incorporate them into my ideas to help others. I am very passionate about helping young people in my generation because I feel that we are not listened to enough because we are seen as too young to know what we need and what we are talking about.

Key Issue 1: Environment & renewable energy  

Key Issue 2: Recreation

Key Issue 3: Rural development

Candidate Statement: I would like to become part of the Welsh Youth Parliament because I believe I can make a difference to other young people & my wider community. 

In my spare time I enjoy watching the news and keeping up to date with current issues such as climate change & renewable energy sources. I also enjoy attending card gamming clubs & playing chess. 

I would like to see young people being offered a wider range of recreational activities for example chess, strategic card / board games such as Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokémon and Magic the gathering as opportunities to try these sorts of activities are limited in my community. These types of clubs encourage the development of maths & English skills in a fun, relaxed environment they also give young people who aren’t sporty the opportunity to meet socially & make new friends. They are also accessible not requiring expensive equipment & can be played regardless of a young person’s physical abilities. 

I feel that more young people can benefit from having a wider range of activities available to them in both school & their community.

I would be a good Welsh Parliament member because a care about other young people.

Thank you for taking the time to read this statement.

Key Issue 1: Mental Health and Wellbeing 

Key Issue 2: Life Skills – Raising Aspirations

Key Issue 3: Current Education Curriculum 

Candidate Statement: Hi, Shwmae, My name is Andrew and I’m a Youth Cabinet Member for Merthyr Tydfil. I’m a volunteer for a local charity. I’m the current Youth Mayor for Merthyr Tydfil. This means that I’m the first youth citizen for Merthyr Tydfil and try meh very hardest to ensure that Young Peoples, Voices, Opinions are heard considered and brought too light.

In my previous youth work, I’ve assisted in creating the Mental Health Toolkit for young people. Worked in collaboration on projects with over 40 different partnership agencies and spoken about young people in front of large crowds. 

Over the last four years I’ve also been involved in multiple different awards, events and meetings with my school. I sit on School Council as a senior prefect and enjoy holding meetings to discuss what is important for young people in my school. 

I work my hardest to improve communication, attainment and collaboration in all I do.

Thank you,

Andrew

Key Issue 1: Life skills in schools

Key Issue 2: Improve public transport

Key Issue 3: Help for job seekers

Candidate Statement: Good Morning folks, my name is Cian Handley and I am running for the Welsh Youth Parliament.

I am running to help the next generation of people in Wales, this is an amazing country and we can make It better by teaching life skills in all schools across Wales, helping fix our public transport system to reduce delays and increase services in out of reach areas and helping people get into work.

I genuinely believe that people in my constituency of Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney want to see a future where everyone no matter their gender identity, ethnicity or social status can thrive, I will do my best to ensure this can happen 

I have done a lot of community work, from volunteering with Stephen and George’s to poppy selling to raising money for local causes and running for youth Mayor

Vote for Change 

Vote for Handley