Young people grow their confidence with Welcome To Your Vote Week activities
Children and young people from Batley, Birstall, Dewsbury and Heckmondwike took part in a special event run by Kirklees Council to celebrate Welcome To Your Vote Week 2024.
The event brought together some of the many local schools who are participating in our Democracy Friendly Schools programme, to learn together and to share their experiences. Young people from Batley Girls High School, Diamond Wood Community Academy, Fairfield School, Field Lane J,I&N School and Westmoor Primary School took part. The event was hosted by Fairfield School in Batley, who were the first special school to receive the council’s Democracy Friendly Award.
Activities for young citizens
Children and young people learned about voting and local democracy, and took part in fun, interactive and inclusive voting activities. Each school group shared an update about how they are making their voice matter, what they have learned so far, and the projects they are creating to make a difference for their community. Participants also talked about what they like about their local area, and whether they feel confident about being able to influence what happens in their neighbourhood.
The teachers who supported young citizens to take part and to speak at the event said that these activities have helped to grow young people’s confidence. The young participants said that they enjoyed the voting activities and liked meeting young people from other schools.
Cllr Cathy Scott, Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet lead for Democracy, was pleased to welcome young citizens and to hear from them during the event.
Cllr Scott said:
“I’d like to congratulate all the schools on the wonderful work they are doing to help young people grow their skills and confidence. We are really proud of our commitment to young citizens and we want to celebrate the difference that children and young people are making in our local places. Taking part in the Democracy Friendly Schools programme is a great way to help young people feel valued, listened to, and confident about sharing their views and ideas. I encourage all schools to get involved.”
The young people also met the Mayor of Kirklees, Cllr Cahal Burke, at the Welcome To Your Vote Week event. The Mayor talked with the young people about the importance of local democracy and shared his own experiences of getting involved in civic life. He also reflected on the importance of growing people’s confidence with voting and having a voice, so that everyone can be an active citizen.
Democracy Friendly Schools
The Democracy Friendly Schools programme is free and is open to any school in Kirklees. Activities are also available for community organisations and for young people who are home educated. Anyone who is interested in taking part can find out more at www.DemocracyFriendly.org.uk or contact Democracy@Kirklees.gov.uk
Getting ready to vote
Welcome To Your Vote Week is an annual campaign organised by the Electoral Commission, which raises awareness about how democracy and voting is important and impactful.
There have been changes to the way that elections are run since the Elections Act 2022, including the requirement for photo ID at polling stations. Make sure you’re ready to vote in the May 2024 local elections by checking the latest information on our website here: Elections Act 2022 and Register to vote here.