CYP Now - Trust young people to make their vote count

With the general election looming, our thoughts turn to prospects for the future and as the old joke about someone asking the way goes “if I were you, I would not start from here!”

Alison O’Sullivan is a former ADCS president

Inequalities seem wider than ever. Life expectancy is now falling and shockingly, infant mortality has risen for the third consecutive year. Next year will see a refresh of the seminal 2010 review by Sir Michael Marmot, Fair Society Healthy Lives. The picture will be bleak, no doubt reflecting widespread food and fuel poverty, and almost one in three children and young people growing up in poverty.

Marmot also says that inequalities can only be addressed through the empowerment of individuals, communities and societies. For this to happen, individuals need material security, power over their lives and a political “voice”.

Children and young people will be those most affected by decisions made today, yet they are often denied a voice in both local and national politics. They have a right to have their say and be listened to.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included