TEENAGERS found their voice to ask North Ayrshire Council to make a pledge to listen to them when it comes to making decisions about their education and communities.

The North Ayrshire Youth Participation and Citizenship Strategy for 2021-2025 was delivered by Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament Aaran Mcdonald and Emily Nix, who have worked closely with the council’s Connected Communities Team to present, Step Up, Speak Out.

And impressed by their presentation, the Cabinet members agreed to support the young people in having their say in decisions.

Donna Anderson, Youth Participation and Democracy Officer at North Ayrshire Council, said: “The Youth Participation and Citizenship strategy that will launch in May this year was created by young people for young people so it’s important that they are given the opportunity to see the process right through to presenting the strategy to Cabinet.

“It’s always great to see young people being empowered to speak on the issues that matter to them – Arran and Emily did a fantastic job speaking on behalf of young people at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.

“We’re really proud of our young people’s ambition and dedication to ensuring the voices of young people are heard. They are a real credit to their community.”

North Ayrshire Council leader Joe Cullinane added: “This is an outstanding piece of work led by young people. The strategy asks decision-makers to make a pledge and my Cabinet has pledged to allow young people to participate in joint cabinet meetings including the use of virtual meetings to engage with more schools, to hold regular meetings with MSYP’s and organise question time sessions.”