2. What’s it all about? An Introduction...

3. Bridgend Youth Council tries to “Provide a voice for young people living in Bridgend County Borough” The Youth Council is trying to: * Involve young people in making new policies and initiatives * To campaign on young people’s issues * To promote participation and citizenship * To challenge the images and stereotypes of young people. * To advise Bridgend County Borough Council and other relevant bodies on behalf of young people. * To raise awareness of the political processes that affect young people.

4. Who can join BYC? Anyone between 14 and 25 years old can join. You can represent a club, a school, a church, In fact any organisation that involves young people.

5. How do you join? Every two years, the youth council has elections when there is usually a big intake of young people. You can join in between elections if you have received an invite from the Youth Mayor. Each year a new mayor and deputy are also selected.

6. What’s happened in the past? We have always had support from the Youth Service and Bridgend County Borough Council. * We campaigned to change the bus company that supplied the Archbishop McGrath School. * We persuaded Bryntirion Comprehensive to allow girls to wear trousers all year. * Took over the council chambers to discuss “Cannibis - Should it be Legalised?” * Visited the Welsh Assembly, Houses of Parliament and European Parliament in Brussels. * Arranged several training weekends on issues affecting young people. * We have a place on the Young People’s Partnership. * Are pleased to be recognised by Bridgend County Borough Council. * The Youth Mayor is inaugurated at the same ceremony as Bridgend Council’s Mayor. * We attend the Young People’s Partnership Conference, to bring up issues that are important to us.

7. Question What happens next? Answer Whatever we want!! We are in total control of what happens. For us to get more young people involved, we have got funding from Cymorth to set up the PEC project.

8. Ogmore Valley Youth Forum PEC PROJECT Bridgend Youth Council Deaf Forum Environment Forum Off Road Motor-biking Forum Anti- Bullying Forum Participation, Empowerment & Citizenship

9. When you are part of the youth council: ٭ You are called a “Youth Councillor” ٭ You are expected to speak up for other young people. ٭ You should try to understand as much as you can about the lives of young people living in Bridgend. ٭ You should always try to be considerate and behave appropriately. ٭ Being part of the youth council can sometimes help with school work and go towards improving your CV. ٭ Meeting new friends and having fun. Any questions???