The search is on for a new Youth Convener to champion the cause of young people in the Highlands.
The Youth Convener is the sounding board for youth issues in the Highlands and has a direct line into policy makers and decision takers.
The Youth Convener is a unique role in that the post holder is a member of The Highland Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee, with full voting powers and also works with the High Life Highland Youth Services Team in developing Highland Youth Parliament and other initiatives that increase youth involvement in decisions that affect them.
A key requirement of the role is an awareness of issues affecting young people and an ability to represent their views. Good communication skills are required, as is the ability to work with and relate to a wide range of people and organisations.
In 2020-2021, young people involved in the Highland Youth Parliament have highlighted their issues and concerns:
- Mental Health concerns due to COVID, isolation and academic stress
- Anxieties about the ‘school environment’
- Effects of the exam challenges due to COVID-19 and worries about the alternatives
- Employment concerns and lack of information about opportunities
Mark Richardson Principal Youth Work Manager for High Life Highland said, “Now, more than ever, young people are needing support and a voice to highlight what they need. The Youth Convener role provides a platform for that over the next twelve months for to provide a full-time face, voice and connection for young people and link to services for them across the Highland area.”
