Last week, over 8,000 votes were cast from 13 schools across Barking and Dagenham and as a result, 78 young people have been elected to the 2018 Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum.

“The young people of the BAD Youth Forum play an integral part in how the council communicates with the younger generation.”

In total, 177 young people stood for election and were encouraged by teachers to complete a manifesto on why they think their fellow students should vote for them. Fellow students then took on the important decision of voting for who they would like to represent them in the borough.

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: 

“The young people of the BAD Youth Forum play an integral part in how the council communicates with the younger generation and it is great to see this is continuing for another year.”

“I would like to say a massive congratulations to the elected members and I look forward to working with them throughout this year.” 

Up next for the elected members is a team building exercise at the Vibe Youth Centre, where they will all get to know each other and learn more about the Forum.

The young people will also attend a formal meeting in Barking Town Hall Chamber, where they will listen to a presentation from Democratic Services about local, regional and national democracy and discuss youth issues that affect people in Barking and Dagenham. 

In February the members will elect a Young Mayor who, alongside the BAD Youth Forum, will raise money for a chosen charity through several events over the year.

Find out more on the BAD Youth Forum webpage.