Young people in North Ayrshire are being invited to share their views ahead of an annual meeting with senior councillors. 

The event gives young people aged 12-18 the chance to speak directly to members of North Ayrshire Council's cabinet - passing on their views on what's important to them.

The next 'joint cabinet' event will take place at Irvine's Volunteer Rooms on Tuesday, May 16.

From climate change and local activities to the challenges of the current cost-of-living crisis, or successfully seeking employment after school, the council’s youth services team are inviting young people to have their say on what important key themes should be discussed on the day.

All part of the council’s youth participation strategy, feedback gathered from the upcoming annual meeting will help to shape policies and create an action plan on areas of most importance to our young people.

If you are aged between 12 and 18, you can have your say online and share what matters most to you by completing the short survey at tinyurl.com/2023Themes - the deadline to submit responses is midnight on Thursday, May 11.

Irvine Times: Cllr Chloe Robertson and Council Leader Marie Burns

Councillor Chloe Robertson, NAC's young people’s champion, said: “Joint Cabinet is a brilliant opportunity for young people to have a direct say and put local decision-makers to task.

“It is really important that during the upcoming discussions that the council directs our meeting agenda towards the core issues that matter most to our young people and consider what steps can be taken next.

“Although many young people have already shared their ideas via schools and community groups, we would like to capture what everyone else has to say.

"So, if you haven’t done so already, please take the time to complete the survey and use this unique opportunity to make your voice heard so that you can make a lasting and positive difference.”

Pupils from all North Ayrshire secondary schools who are set to attend the upcoming in-person session will take part in a series of round-table discussions followed by a live question and answer session informed by the results of the online survey.

Council leader Marie Burns said: “North Ayrshire Council was the first and is one of only two local authorities in Scotland to host a Joint Cabinet meeting each year.

“Joint Cabinet is a vital way for young people to express their views and get direct answers to the important questions that they want to ask.

“North Ayrshire’s young people are some of the most engaged in the country and I look forward to meeting with pupils from across our six localities to hear what they have to say and understand what action is required.

“Young people are at the heart of the council’s decision-making process, and we care deeply about their point of view.

"So, ahead of the event, please share your ideas and the key themes that you are most passionate about via the online survey and do your part to help us build a fairer and more equal North Ayrshire for all young people.”