"The Voice of Young People in Carmarthenshire"
Carmarthenshire Youth Council (or CYC as we call it) was set up in September 2003 by young people for young people. We are a group of young people aged 11 – 25 years old from across Carmarthenshire who act as a voice for young people by represent the views and opinions of all young people in the county.
We believe that "young people have a right to be heard and their views and opinions should be treated as equal to adults."
"by creating opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in decision making on issues that impact on their lives and to bring about positive change."
We aim to:
benefit all young people in Carmarthenshire who are aged 0 to 25 years old.
be a voice for all children and young people in Carmarthenshire.
bring about positive change and development.
create opportunities for young people to become involved in decision making / democratic processes within the Authority, national and international level.
assess and improve services provided to children and young people in Carmarthenshire.
CYC Structure
We have had a new CYC Structure since April 2018 and we are still trying to set it up.
Young people are elected on to the CYC by proportional representation through schools, colleges, youth clubs, voluntary youth groups, youth action groups, special interest groups, disability groups, other specialist or minority formal and informal groups during a Grand Council Meeting called 'Count Me In'
Carmarthenshire Youth Council is made up of 50 young people aged 11-25 years old representing 4 main areas:
EDUCATION – young people from Secondary and Special School Councils, Private Schools, Students at Coleg Sir Gar and University of Wales Trinity St David. (18 positions)
UNIVERSAL – any young people 11- 25 years of age living, studying or working in Carmarthenshire (14 positions)
SPECIAL INTEREST – any young people who; have experience of homelessness or the Youth Offenders system; are disabled, G.L.B.T.Q, B.E.M, Gypsy travellers, NEET. L.A.C or Care leavers; or is a Young carer, son or daughter of foster carer, a Child In Need, is a young refugee, is a young migrant, is first language welsh, is a Young farmer or living rurally.
WELSH YOUTH PARLIAMENT – Following elections organised by the National Assembly for Wales the three young people representing the constitution areas in Carmarthenshire will have the opportunity to be co-opted on to the Youth Council to ensure communication and effective working to give Carmarthenshire's young people a voice nationally.
CYC meets every last Wednesday of the month (or as close as we can) between 5.30 – 8.30pm in Carmarthen.
CYC COMMITTEE BOARD
Opportunities for Youth Council Members to be elected by other members to become members of the CYC Committee Board who make decisions on the day to day running of the Youth Council.
THEME OFFICERS
Elected Youth Council Members can stand for election to champion Carmarthenshire County Council Executive Board Portfolio areas and work closely with the County Council and be involved in the decision making process.
MEMBER OF UKYP
An elected member of CYC to represent Carmarthenshire at the UK Youth Parliament
MEMBERS OF CADW
Members of CYC to champion Safeguarding and represent Carmarthenshire at Regional CADW Board.
CYMRU IFANC AND BRITISH YOUTH COUNCIL
Opportunity for any CYC members (and non CYC Members) to be involved in National project work and campaigns run by both organisations.
Take part and carry out consultation to find out what young people think, like and want in Carmarthenshire.
Debates about local, national and global youth, democracy and citizenship issues.
Working with organisations and adults to provide young people friendly information.
Organising local events such as the Annual Youth Conference and represent Carmarthenshire and Wales at other events and conferences.
Develop publicity to promote events and services for local young people e.g. www.carmarthenshireyouth.org.uk
Go on residential trips (sleep-over's) and visits
Be a part of interview panels for employing staff working with Children and Young People.
Organise and take part in community projects.
Work with our Participation Officer Spow to support School and Pupil Councils