Politicians host event with pupils from Flintshire schools

The event was held by Hannah Blythyn MS and Jack Sargeant MS, with youngsters from Alun School in Mold, Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold, Flint High School, Connah's Quay High School, and St Richard Gwyn High School in Flint taking part in creating youth manifestos and asking questions about the Wales they want to see.

As part of the now annual event, each school gave a presentation to the Members of the Senedd and covered topics such as rubbish and litter in the community, climate change, under 18 vaping and smoking, bin collection, school transport, specific mental health provision in our schools, and much more. Using an online poll, students were able to vote for what they through was the top priority issue facing young people in Flintshire and further afield.

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Delyn MS Hannah Blythyn said: "When I was growing up and going to school here, I didn't really feel that politics was for me, because I didn't think I could ever be part of that.

"So it is really important for me now as the Member of the Senedd to make sure I open up politics as much as possible for our young people so they can get involved with events like the Democracy in Action Day. It's vital young people have their say and a chance to shape our country and I look forward to taking up their ideas and raising questions in the Senedd."

Read more: Student groups discuss their work with MP during school visit

The Senedd Outreach Team helped set the scene for the day with an introduction to the Senedd and how the students could get involved more with through the Welsh Youth Parliament.

Alyn and Deeside MS, Jack Sargeant added: "I am grateful to everyone who took the time to take part, and I am excited about using the vision contributors set out at the event to inform my work going forward.

"This event is about demonstrating to young people that democracy and democratic institutions are something they can engage with directly. I hope it will serve to encourage them to consider getting even more involved in the future."

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin during the Democracy in Action Day.

Flintshire youth services and North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, also gave presentations on the day and students had the chance to give their own feedback as part of a public consultation on the police and crime plan.

He said: "As Police and Crime Commissioner, I particularly valued the opportunity to hear directly from students about their priorities for policing in North Wales. Their input is invaluable as we shape our policing strategies for the next four years and it's inspiring to see young people so actively involved in discussions about democracy and community safety."

• The Democracy in Action Day was held at Coleg Cambria Business School in Northop and included a question and answer session with local MSs, hosted by Cllr Mel Buckely (vice chair of Flintshire Council), interactive voting and manifesto writing workshop, alongside informative presentations for the students from Flintshire Youth Services by Kate Glover-Jones.