British Youth Council (BYC)
The British Youth Council is the National Youth Council of the UK. It’s a Youth-led charity empowering young people aged 25 and under to influence and inform the decisions that affect their lives. They help support young people to get involved in their communities and democracy locally, nationally and internationally.
The BYC incorporates many different elements in empowering the youth of today in achieving youth leadership and prominence throughout the community.
Two of BYC’s many initiatives are Member of Youth Parliament and the national Make Your Mark ballot.
UK Youth Parliament Elections
We have recently elected two new Members of Youth Parliament for Sandwell.
Kashvi Khanna and Angela Hangero were officially elected at a ceremony attended by The Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Bill Gavan.
More than 9,000 children and young people across 164 organisations, including schools and youth clubs, have voted for Sandwell’s two new Members of Youth Parliament.
Angela Hangero, age 14 from Oldbury, pledges to give young people a voice and to make Sandwell’s streets safer, in particular for women and girls. She said: “I will be a good Member of Youth Parliament for our future generation of Sandwell, by developing our young society and being the voice for the voiceless and letting the young community of Sandwell be heard.”
Kashvi Khanna, age 18 from West Bromwich pledges to campaign for changes to the educational system and empower young people in Sandwell. She said: “I am aware of the challenges facing our youth today. From educational disparities to mental health struggles, we confront numerous obstacles. Yet, I refuse to succumb to despair. Instead, I see these challenges as opportunities for growth and resilience.
“As Youth Parliament member, I will advocate tirelessly for the resources and support systems necessary to empower each and every member of our youth community.”
Angela and Kashvi were two of seven candidates who were shortlisted for the ballot. The candidates narrowly missing out were Ayyatulahi Adigun, Abhijay Singh Choudary, Briony Jones, Dileena Kaur and Palak Kumar.
Make Your Mark
Sandwell took part in the Make Your Mark national ballot in March 2024 and received 9,771 votes.
The votes were as follows:
- Crime & Safety – 2,288 Votes
- Rights, Equalities & Democracy – 1,475 Votes
- Education & Learning – 1,415 Votes
- Health & Wellbeing – 1,264 Votes
- Jobs, the Economy & Benefits – 920 Votes
- Culture, Media & Sport – 713 Votes
- Youth Work & Young People’s Services – 668 Votes
- Climate Change & The Environment – 377 Votes
- Transport – 341 Votes
- International Relations – 310 Votes
We would like to thank all young people who voted online and in schools, and the schools in Sandwell who took part as polling stations!
We will be sharing the National Make Your Mark ballot results as soon as they are shared.
An Introduction to Parliament for Children & Young People
west midlands police Youth Police and Crime Comissioners Elections
We are really proud to announce our two new Youth Police and Crime Commissioners, Maria Hussain & Ayyatulahi Adigun!
The Youth Commissioners will advise the Police and Crime Commissioner on law and order issues, affecting children and teenagers. They will also be asked to represent the views and stand up for the rights of young people within the police force area.
Each borough in the West Midlands will be represented by two Youth Commissioners, who will serve a two year term and the PCC is asking young people to reach out to their Youth Commissioner, so that their voices are heard.
As well as speaking directly to the PCC, the volunteer Youth Commissioners will liaise with police officers, decision makers and youth organisations about crime, justice and victim services.
One of the two new Sandwell Youth Commissioners, Ayyatulahi, said: “I just wanted to say thank you so much for everyone who supported me and I cannot wait to make an impact on society, together with all the other Youth Commissioners.
“To every young person in Sandwell, I am here to represent you and my ultimate aim is to make you all feel heard, safe and welcome.”
