News Zone
Knowsley elects Youth Champion
Date: 13 October
Sandra Richardson, the Head of Knowsley Council’s Youth Service has been chosen as the Borough’s Youth Champion for 2008.
Sandra was elected at a ‘political speed dating’ contest which was part of last night’s event in Kirkby to mark Local Democracy Week.
The event was attended by 25 young people including representatives of Knowsley’s looked after children. It was organised by Knowsley Council’s Engagement and Participation Team in partnership with young people from Shout Participation All Round Knowsley (S.P.A.R.K), Knowsley Youth Parliament and Making A Difference Everywhere (M.A.D.E).
The event was an excellent opportunity for young people, councillors and chief officers to meet each other. It aims to challenge perceptions and stereotypes and bridge the gap to provide an opportunity for young people to increase their knowledge and understanding of political systems.
Commenting after winning the election, Sandra said: “It is a real honour for me to be chosen by young people as their Youth Champion. I am totally committed to supporting their voice being heard and their issues being tackled. I am looking forward to working with them over the next year to make some real positive changes for young people.”
Damian Allen, Knowsley Council’s Executive Director for Children and Family Services congratulated Sandra on winning for the second year running: “The role of Youth Champion is very important here in Knowsley. Sandra has worked very hard on various initiatives to ensure that young people’s voices are heard.
“She’s a very persuasive advocate for young people and I have no doubt that she will continue to ensure their views are listened to by council staff and elected members.”
Ends
For more information, please phone Tom Walker from Knowsley Council’s Communications Team on 0151 443 3224.
