Every young person has rights: We, as a representative council for 11-25 year olds, advocate for positive change and children’s rights across the city.
A collaborative training session, co-facilitated by Arthur who is a passionate Cardiff Youth Council member, was recently held for early years specialists who work in Flying Start nursery settings.
Arthur is an active Cardiff Youth Council member and Children’s Rights expert who has worked extensively with organisations who champion children’s rights, including but not limited to: UNICEF UK, Children in Wales, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Child Friendly Cardiff.
This bespoke training aimed to integrate the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into nursery settings, with a particular emphasis on article 12 which outlines respecting the views of the child. Practical ways to ensure that even our youngest citizens feel their voices matter were introduced. Through the training delivery and activities, we wanted the attendees to feel empowered and leave feeling confident about how they would create environments where the thoughts and feelings of 2 and 3-year-olds are actively sought and valued.
Having a young person deliver this training was extremely powerful and attendees approached Arthur afterwards to share how inspiring it was to see a young person engage in this work. It highlighted the vital role young people can play in championing children’s rights but also sets a precedent for meaningful engagement with these rights in educational settings.
In a vibrant demonstration of youth engagement and democratic process, the Cardiff Youth Council (CYC) has successfully concluded its elections for the Members of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP). With two pivotal seats up for grabs, the election attracted a diverse group of ten dedicated CYC members, each aspiring to represent Cardiff’s youth on a national scale. The candidates were Ned Dong, End Hopkins, Tegan Griffiths, Ffion Corcoran, Emile Chapin, Morus Williams, Ryan Bestwick, Aoife Williams, Efa Thomas, and Megan O’Neill.
The election day was buzzing with anticipation, as each candidate took the stage to present their vision for the future of Cardiff’s youth. Their speeches covered a range of pressing issues, from mental health and educational reform to climate action and community engagement. Following the speeches, the floor was opened for questions, allowing CYC members to engage directly with the candidates, probing their policies and promises. This interactive session highlighted the candidates’ commitment and readiness to tackle the challenges facing their peers.
In an election characterised by a form of proportional representation, each CYC member was empowered to select their top three candidates. This voting system ensured a fair reflection of the council’s diverse preferences, highlighting the importance of every vote in shaping the outcome. The democratic spirit of the CYC shone through as members participated actively in this process, demonstrating the council’s commitment to inclusive and participatory governance.
The election culminated in the selection of Aoife Williams and Ffion Corcoran as the new MYPs representing Cardiff. Their campaigns, resonating with the aspirations and concerns of their peers, earned them the honour of serving on a platform where they can effect real change. Aoife and Ffion’s victories signify a new era of youth leadership in Cardiff, one that promises to advocate passionately for the rights and well-being of young people both locally and nationally.
As we welcome Aoife Williams and Ffion Corcoran into their new roles, we must also take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the outgoing MYPs, Zack Hellard and Shifa Shahzad. Zack and Shifa have been exemplary representatives of Cardiff’s youth, dedicating their tenure to advocating for change, inspiring their peers, and leaving an indelible mark on the council. Their commitment, passion, and achievements have set a high standard for youth leadership and have contributed significantly to the progress and empowerment of young people in Cardiff.
Chair of CYC, Mikaeel Moulani, says Zack and Shifa, your service as MYPs has been a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of youth voice. The Cardiff Youth Council and its members extend heartfelt thanks for your tireless work, dedication, and the positive impact you have made. As you pass the torch to Aoife and Ffion, know that your legacy will continue to inspire and guide the council’s endeavours. In conclusion, the CYC MYP elections have not only showcased the democratic values at the heart of the council but have also underscored the importance of youth participation in civic life. As Aoife Williams and Ffion Corcoran step into their new roles, the Cardiff Youth Council stands united in its mission to empower young people, drive change, and foster a community where every voice is heard and valued. Together, we look forward to the positive impact that our new MYPs will bring to Cardiff and beyond.
The Cardiff Youth Council (CYC) recently embarked on an collaboration with esteemed academics, Dr Hannah Littlecott from Bristol University and Dr Kelly Morgan from Cardiff University, signalling a step towards sustainable travel initiatives within Wales. This partnership revolves around a grant application aimed at evaluating a novel active travel intervention set to be implemented in a Welsh town this year, under the support of the Welsh Government.
Active travel, the practice of making journeys by physically active means, such as walking or cycling, instead of using motorised transport, is at the heart of this intervention. It seeks to not only improve public health and reduce environmental impact but also to enhance the overall quality of life for the community members.
A select group of CYC members, including Aoife Williams, Efa Thomas, Martha Lewis, Megan O’Neill, Rahma Mohamed, Rain Preece and Steffan Raynor Owen, were involved in a meeting with Hannah and Kelly. The purpose of this engagement was two-fold: to gather insights on the proposed data collection methods, ensuring it resonates with its core objectives and the community it aims to serve.
During the meeting, Hannah and Kelly outlined the scope of the grant application, detailing the envisioned active travel intervention and the anticipated outcomes. They delved into the types of data they plan to collect and the methodologies they intend to employ, seeking input from the CYC members on these critical aspects. The conversation fostered a rich exchange of ideas, highlighting the value of incorporating young people’s perspectives in shaping research that directly impacts their community.
The CYC members, bringing diverse viewpoints and fresh insights to the table, engaged actively in the discussion. The collaborative session underscored the potential of active travel initiatives to transform urban living spaces into more sustainable, health-promoting environments.
This engagement between CYC members and the academic team exemplifies a commendable model of youth involvement in civic matters, particularly in projects with far-reaching implications for public health and sustainability. By lending their voices to this initiative, the CYC members not only contributed to the shaping of a significant research project but also underscored the critical role of youth in driving positive change within their communities.
As the project progresses, the insights gathered from this meeting will undoubtedly play a role in refining the research approach and ensuring the active travel intervention is effectively tailored to meet the needs and expectations of the Welsh town’s residents. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the journey towards creating more active, healthy, and sustainable communities in Wales, demonstrating the power of partnership between academia, government, and youth councils.
The Cardiff Youth Council’s involvement in this study reflects their ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and active living. It showcases the potential of young people to influence policy and research, paving the way for more inclusive and effective community interventions. As the project moves forward, the CYC will continue to play a vital role in advocating for and contributing to the development of healthier, more sustainable communities across Wales.
