Imagine attending an event called Youth’s Got the Power , an event where you can speak your mind and where you are not judged because you supposedly ‘young’. Luckily sixth formers (including myself) from the Ursuline were happily invited to attend an event called Youth’s Got The Power at Mulberry Girls School. The event was supported by a charity called Stand up Speak Out who curated the event which aimed to bring young people in London together, to discuss various political issues and to consider the key issue of why there is a low engagement in politics when it comes to the Youth of London.

The Panel Consisted of Professor Tim Bale from Queen Mary, Queen Mary’s University student Yas Yeahla, Young star 2016 Nusrath Hassan, Bristol Politics Student Ife Grillo and Director of Communications to previous PM David Cameron, Giles Kenningham MBE. Topics such as the participation crisis, Sex education in schools, Brexit, and racism in society initiated a strong and interesting debate from students and the panelists who had unique opinions and views. Anthony Anaxagorou’s, a spoken word artist, performed one of his pieces, “I am not a Poet” which gave a deep insight about an individual’s view on Society and Politics which left the audience in deep thought.

After the event I caught up with students to hear what they thought about the concept of the event and what they learnt, Maddie Bentley from the Ursuline High School said, “Politics has always been something that’s always been associated with the older generation, and Youth’s Got The Power showed me how much I can get involved with politics, and how my voice as a youth matters”

The event also taught me the importance of Youth getting involved in Politics, after the event I researched on what young people can do to get involved in Politics. Merton has a Youth Parliament where the youth parliament where young people have their say on how they can make Merton a better place to live, this is for ages 19-25.

As the leaders of the future of generation, it is important to stay connected and up to date with what’s going on around us, this can even start within your local communities. Below is the information in getting involved with Merton Youth Parliament. Email: youth.participation@merton.gov.uk Telephone :020 8274 4959