More than 2,000 young people in Harborough and across Leicestershire make their voices heard on the issues that matter the most to them

More than 2,000 young people in Harborough and across Leicestershire have been making their voices heard on the issues that matter the most to them.

Taking place online for the first time due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ‘Make Your Mark’ ballot offers young people nationwide the chance to speak on what campaigns should be targeted by members of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP).

The top three national issues voted for in the ballot were supporting mental health, free university and stopping plastic pollution.

Along with the national topics, the top three local issues voted for in the county were domestic violence, homelessness and access to training and jobs.

Across Leicestershire, almost 500 youngsters aged from 11 to 18 voted for mental health to be the focus of the campaigning.

Mental health was also the second most popular subject in the country.

So, Leicestershire's Youth Parliament representatives were happy to see national decisions echo the county’s sentiment.

Among the representatives are Michał Pietrzak, 15, also a member of CYCle – the County Youth Council.

“This year, we have set a record number of votes, with thousands of young people voting across the East Midlands,” he said.

“I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made and insurmountably happy that young people are becoming more and more interested with what is happening around the UK.”

Rosa MacGregor-Devlin, 17, also a CYCLe member, said: “The 'Make Your Mark' ballot gives me the chance to voice the important things in my life and know that I would definitely be listened to.”

Cllr Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Securing over 2,000 votes is an outstanding a result for Make Your Mark, especially with the campaign being delivered online for the first time.

"This ballot ensures that the voices of young people in Leicestershire are being heard on issues that matter to them which is vital for driving change.

"I’d like to personally thank and congratulate all those that took part and helped raise awareness of the campaign.”

You can find out more by visiting https://www.byc.org.uk/uk/uk-youth-parliament/make-your-mark