Youth Engagement

CADETS ADVANCE ON TOWN HALL FOR CIVIC INSIGHT

A visit by 230 (Congleton) Squadron Air Training Corps to Congleton Town Hall proved to be an engaging experience. The 40-strong group of cadets explored the Cheshire town’s rich history and civic life after being welcomed by Town Mayor Robert Brittain and community committee chair Kay Wesley. The evening began with an informative talk, which included an interactive quiz covering the history of Congleton, its original charter, and what life was like when it was signed in 1272. The presentation also highlighted the role of the town council today, encouraging young people to get involved with the newly formed youth council. Following a short film about Congleton’s Town Treasures, the cadets were given a guided tour of the town hall. Highlights included the opportunity to view the town mace, ring the town crier’s bell and explore unique features such as the secret tunnel and the Grand Hall.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2026

MURAL FOSTERS SENSE OF PUBLIC PRIDE

A vibrant mural has been installed by Yate Town Council at Kingsgate Park. Delivered in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council and Learning Partnership West, the basketball court mural was created as part of a youth engagement initiative. It was aimed at working with young people, particularly those at risk of involvement in anti-social behaviour. The project provided an opportunity for participants to contribute to the design and creation of a lasting piece of public art, supported by a professional artist and local youth providers. This initiative builds on similar successful projects across the area and not only enhances the visual appeal of the park but also foster a sense of ownership and pride.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2026

COUNCIL’S CLASSROOM CALL

A series of engaging classroom sessions designed to help primary school pupils better understand local democracy, citizenship, and the role of the council has been launched by Pembrey and Burry Port Town Council. Aimed at Year 5 and Year 6 pupils, the sessions support curriculum topics such as citizenship and community awareness. Pupils from Parc Y Tywyn School in Burry Port took part in one of the sessions, gaining insight into how the Carmarthenshire council supports local people and services. The visit helped bring their classroom learning to life by offering a practical look at how local government works.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2026

 Keynsham Youth Council was joined by local secondary school head teachers.

SCHOOLS’ BACKING FOR YOUTH BODY

KEYNSHAM Town Council’s Youth Council ‘KeynshamNow’ is demonstrating its value as a platform for youth engagement. Significant progress has been made in building relationships with local secondary schools, with all three headteachers Rob Pearsall (Wellsway Academy), Laura Stone (Broadlands Academy) and Pete Headeach (IKB Academy) attending a recent meeting and recognising a growing recognition of the council as a credible and respected forum. The meeting gave young people from the Somerset town the opportunity to gain insight into the role of a headteacher, including leadership responsibilities and the challenges of running a school.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2026

YOUNGSTERS DRAW ON EXPERIENCE FOR NEW COUNCIL ROLE

A new youth council is up and running in Cheshire. An enthusiastic and diverse group of young people came together for their inaugural meeting at CONGLETON Town Hall. Twelve youngsters aged 10 to 17 attended the first session, representing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
The meeting began with an energiser activity ‘Draw a Politician’, which was designed to show that anyone can be a politician and that, as youth councillors, the group is already representing their community – not through party politics, but by giving young people a voice. The group discussed the purpose of the council and its role in representing the views of young people to Congleton Town Council and the wider community. The first officers were elected with Barney Mitcheson and Sadie Kirk the co-chairs, alongside a vice-chair and leads for social media, fundraising and activities.
A key part of the meeting focused on identifying priorities for young people in Congleton, building on the findings of a youth workshop held last year. One of the main issues raised was the need for a safe and welcoming place for young people to spend time in the evenings. The group discussed the idea of creating a youth cafe, sharing creative ideas about what it could look like and the activities it could offer.

Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2026

 STUDENTS DIG IN FOR NEW SKILLS

Two students from Derwen College have been gaining valuable real-life work skills through a weekly horticulture-focused placement with the direct labour force team at LUDLOW Town Council. Conner, 19, and Ben, 18, who are on the college’s work and independence programme, spend one day a week working alongside the Shropshire team. Supported by a learning support assistant and the experienced team, they are strengthening their horticulture skills, while contributing positively to the town’s outdoor spaces. Their placement includes a wide range of tasks at the town cemetery and other public areas, including shearing bushes, using leaf blowers and rakes, weeding and maintenance and helping to keep local spaces clean and tidy.

Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2026

YOUNGSTERS GET INSIGHT INTO LOCAL DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

A Local Democracy event, hosted by The Buckingham School in partnership with The Royal Latin School was supported by BUCKINGHAM Town Council.
Fifty pupils spent the day engaging in debate, discussion, and civic learning with a panel of local representatives, including Mayor Fran Davies, councillors Jon Harvey, Anja Schaefer, Robin Stuchbury, Lucy Draper, Lisa O’Donoghue, Robina Ahmed, Roger Newall, and Sergeant David Kuttner and PC Guy Richards from Thames Valley Police.
The pupils explored a wide range of topics, including traffic management, spending, youth opportunities, community safety, the impact of East-West Rail, environmental concerns and ways young people can have a stronger community voice.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2026

 Young democracy in action in Newbury.

NEWBURY school pupils have been discovering how their town council works and what it takes to be a councillor.
The Berkshire town council welcomed pupils to the Town Hall for an interactive insight into civic life. During the two-hour sessions, the children met councillors and heard about the council’s responsibilities and how decisions are made.
Activities included a tour of the building, a visit to the Mayor’s Parlour and the opportunity to try on councillors’ robes.
Councillors also visited Trinity and St Barts schools where, after a brief introduction to the workings of Newbury Town Council, lively Q&A sessions took place.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2026

RECORD NUMBERS FOR COUNCIL

Sevenoaks Youth Council has welcomed a record 80 members after an huge wave of applications.
Every two years, SEVENOAKS Town Council invites nominations for youth councillors. Aged between 11 and 18, members represent the views of young people in the Kent town, organise events and campaigns, collaborate on community projects, and work alongside local leaders and councillors.
Participation in the council also helps members develop valuable skills, including confidence, leadership, and teamwork.
The newly formed council elected Aryana Mahdavi Ardestani as its chair.

■ Members of WEYMOUTH’S Youth Council engaged with about 60 young people ahead of their trip to London for Parliament Week.
They hosted Scout, Brownie and Explorer groups to help them understand more about how local government works and how they can get involved.
Short presentations from council members showed what they do and how the visiting groups could take part in future activities.
Councillors from Weymouth Town Council also attended, including Alex Fuhrmann, Kate Wheller, Louie O’Leary, Lee Harmsworth, Matt Bell and Mayor Caroline Nickinson.
A group from the Dorset town’s youth council went to London for a visit to the Houses of Parliament.

■ Young Opinions Unite (YOU) is a new FROME Town Council grant-making panel, made up of a group of Year 8 pupils.
They will select successful applicants for grants of up to £2,000, from a total fund of £10,000, aimed at projects supporting children and young people in the Somerset town.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2026

SPEAKING OF DEMOCRACY…

Twelve talented young speakers took to the stage for the inaugural Wealden Young Speakers’ Challenge, hosted by Wealden District Council.
The event hosted at the Civic Hall in HAILSHAM came alive with passion, insight, and eloquence, bringing together four teams of Sussex pupils aged 15-16, each delivering powerful 10-minute speeches on ‘What Democracy means for us and is it important to younger people?’
The competition showcased not only public speaking skills but also a deep engagement with civic values and democratic principles.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2026

Trowbridge Mayor Stephen Cooper with his new mayoral cadet Elizabeth Lytra.

ELIZABETH APPOINTED MAYORAL CADET

Elizabeth Lytra has been announced as the new TROWBRIDGE mayoral cadet for the 2025/26 civic year. Her appointment was unveiled by Mayor of the Wiltshire town Stephen Cooper. The youngster is an ordinary cadet with the Trowbridge Sea Cadet Unit and was presented with the official Mayoral pin badge and a certificate in recognition of her appointment. She has already taken part in several civic engagements, including the annual service, where she represented both the cadets and Mayor with pride and distinction. The cadet scheme offers young people the opportunity to engage in civic life, develop leadership skills, and represent the youth of Trowbridge in an honorary capacity. Mayor Cooper said: “I need to pay particular thanks to my Mayoral Cadet for the last two years. Rose Church started this journey with me as a keen and eager 14-year-old; she ends it as a capable and confident 16-yearold, who I am sure is destined for bigger and better things.

Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2025

TEENAGE MATTHEW AIMS TO BRIDGE AGE DIVIDE

A Buckinghamshire village has appointed its youngest ever parish councillor. CHEDDINGTON clerk Roz Roberts asked teenager Matthew Kehoe why he wanted to become a parish councillor. The 19-year-old said: “Growing up I was taught to be respectful to my elders and to the environment. Mum was part of the village WI as I was growing up, and then joined the parish council. “I was never a very outgoing child but I am now more conscious of others opinions and beliefs, which I think makes me an approachable and amiable person. ‘Several of my school friends were politically conscious and I suppose through them I gained a sense of understanding politics. “I work in the village shop, where I hear what is going on in and around the village. It was my decision, after listening to the views of the younger members of the public, to attend the council meetings after my 18th birthday. “I have always been conscious of both ‘old’ and ‘young’ viewpoints and the fact there tends to be a divide of opinions. I intend to act as a bridge between both generations and their differences.”

Clerks & Councils Direct, July 2025

Tabby and Friends perform during the Frome Busks annual event in the Somerset town.

POPPING UP TO KEEP THE COMMUNITY ENTERTAINED

The annual FROME Busks event showcased the talents of young musicians from Frome College and Selwood Academy. Eight amplified and acoustic stages ‘popped up’ around the Somerset town with donations collected going towards opportunities for more young people to access music lessons and activities throughout the year. Councillor Steve Tanner, moonlighting as stage manager for the Boyle Cross stage, said “Once again, Frome Busks was a fantastic town event: great music, great atmosphere and a great opportunity for young musicians to get experience of performing live. “The diverse range of music on offer, from Lula with her hand pan, pop, rock, folk, grunge and more offered something for all tastes.” Frome College music teacher Josh Hampson, who organises the event in partnership with Frome Town Council, said: “We’ve got a really vibrant music department at Frome college, with loads of performers. It’s a big deal for a 14-year-old to come out in public and play and sing – events like this are so important in building confidence. “This event also gets the youth of Frome seen in a positive light, out in public, doing something really impressive. It’s not just good for musicians; A-level music tech students will also gain technical experience by setting up the event.”

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2025

Joshua Denning received his award from Mayor of Lyme Regis Philip Evans.

JOSHUA IS YOUNGEST FREEMAN

A dedicated fundraiser from LYME REGIS has been granted the Dorset town’s highest honour in recognition of his contribution to the community. Joshua Denning, 20, was granted the honorary freedom of the town after councillors voted unanimously to acknowledge the dedication and commitment he has shown to the many local organisations he has volunteered for. He won the ITV Westcountry Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year Award for his dedication to fundraising for organisations and events, including Regatta and Carnival Week, Lifeboat Week, Lyme Lunge, the Poppy Appeal, the fireworks’ display and the Lyme Regis Town Band performances, collecting about £50,000 for them. Mayor Philip Evans said: “Freedom of the Town is the greatest honour the council can bestow on one of its citizens and Joshua is the youngest ever to receive this acclaim. “We should recognise those who go that extra mile for our town and no one has put in more miles for Lyme than this extraordinary young man.”

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2025

Pupils, teaching staff and local councillors who were involved in Local Democracy Week.

SCHOOLCHILDREN AND POLITICIANS ENJOY A HEALTHY DEBATING DAY

BUCKINGHAM Town Council had a blast celebrating Local Democracy Week at the Royal Latin School. The event brought together enthusiastic pupils from the Royal Latin and Buckingham Schools for an engaging day focused on local governance and civic involvement. A total of 35 pupils took part in a fun and lively discussion. Chaired by Mayor Anja Schaefer, the panel featured town and county councillors, along with Sainsburys Express store manager Earnest Antwi. They addressed a selection of questions covering local and national issues, providing valuable insights and sparking great debates. The Mayor said: “This was one of the most engaged political debates I have had in a long time.”

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2025

The youth takeover of Frome Town Council served many purposes. Picture: Paul Blakemore.

YOUNGSTERS TAKE OVER CONTROL OF FROME TOWN HALL

A takeover of FROME Town Hall brought a riot of colour, noise and bubbling new ideas as young people and families filled every room. Frome Mayor Andy Jones signed a declaration, which was announced by the town crier, handing over power of the town to youngsters. Local arts organisation Terrestrial invited children to make the building, and the town, their own. One room was covered floor to-ceiling in paint, another had a forest brought in through the window, and a ‘cardboard city’, was created in the council chamber. Organisers hope the ideas generated among the mess will live on for a long time. It followed previous takeovers of the Somerset town’s library and museum. Terrestrial’s director Tom Spencer said: “At the heart of this wild set of arts experiences was an invitation for young people to feel their creativity has real power.” Adults had to sign a document on entry promising to let the young people be in charge. As the day went on, suggestions of ‘new rules for Frome’ were pinned up around the building – and then presented to the Mayor. They will be following up by attending a full meeting of the town council to put forward their ideas.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2025

The design painted on the side of
the former Chronicle building in Crewe.

YOUNGSTERS PLAY PART IN DESIGN

The first public art commission for the CREWE Arts Trail has been revealed. The Trail is being produced as part of the UKSPF funded Crewe Arts Development Programme and a huge, colourful mural has been painted on the end of the former Chronicle building in High Street. The artwork, named RE-Making Crewe, was co-designed by young people within the community, working with artist Cherie Grist. More than 70 youngsters from local organisations took part in six interactive workshops to come up with their own ideas for the design of the first mural, while discussing the town centre.

Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2024

Caernarfon (Gwynedd) Dewi Wyn Jones
Diss (Norfolk) Kieran Murphy

TOWNS APPOINT THEIR YOUNGEST EVER MAYORS

Mayor-making ceremonies have been going on across the country in recent weeks. Among them have been two town’s appointing their youngest ever first citizens. In Gwynedd, Dewi Wyn Jones is 27 and the new CAERNARFON Mayor said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be made mayor of such a special town. I am incredibly proud of Caernarfon and her people.” Across in Norfolk, Kieran Murphy has been appointed Mayor of DISS at the age of 21, having already served one year as First Citizen. He joined the council as an 18-year-old in 2020 and also serves on South Norfolk District Council. Many charities across the country will benefit from the change of mayor with outgoing incumbents handing out the proceeds of their year’s fundraising efforts and their replacements naming their chosen charities for the new year.

Clerks & Councils Direct, July 2024

Mayor Nigel Nutkins
with Dunsley Farm Shop Café manager Nicky

MAYOR ENJOYS A TASTY TREAT

TRING Mayor Nigel Nutkins was invited to the Dunsley Farm Shop Café opening by Karen Cox of the Central Training Group. The group manages the shop and provides training, apprenticeships and work opportunities for young people not in employment, education or training. The mayor said: “It was a pleasure to attend the opening of the new cafe at Dunsley Farm shop. Congratulations to the team and best wishes for the future.” Karen told the mayor about their plan to have the young people make all the food, as well as serving and other cafe roles. Tring Youth town clerk Emma Cave will be liaising with the group to discuss future potential collaborations to support young people in the Hertfordshire town.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024

Stacie Allensby and Jack Jones

YOUTH CHAMPION POSITIONS
FOR JACK AND STACIE

Stacie Allensby and Jack Jones have been appointed as youth champions at WARMINSTER Town Council. Cllr Allensby and Cllr Jones will act as contacts for young people to talk about ideas. The two new positions recognise the needs of providing further provisions for young people and will create a more open dialogue between the youth of the Wiltshire town and the town council. The pair will also liaise with youth organisations to benefit activities available in the town.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024

The Mayor of SEAFORD opened Seaford’s Civic Reception at The Mercread Youth Centre in early October, welcoming the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Richard Bickersteth, and other dignitaries, representatives from partnership organisations and authorities, and members of the public. The Mayor and Young Mayor of Seaford set the scene, introducing their chosen charities of The Mercread Youth Centre, The Youth Counselling Project, RNLI, and Seaford Lifeguards. The Youth Counselling Project detailed its vital service to the young people of Seaford and how it has been supporting more than 80 young people struggling with their mental health. Young Mayor of Seaford’s charities then presented their work. Starting with RNLI, which turns 200 next year, followed by Seaford Lifeguards highlighting the importance of safe and responsible swimming, explaining the invaluable work of the variety of roles within Seaford Lifeguards.

L-R: Fire Cadet Simon Wild, Serjeant at Mace Peter White, Deputy Mayor of Seaford Sally Markwell, Mayor of Seaford Olivia Honeyman, The High Sheriff of East Sussex Richard Bickersteth, Young Mayor of Seaford Nia Waite, Deputy Young Mayor of Seaford Ella Yulle, and Fire Cadet Jasmine Shelley

 Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2024

UPGRADE FOR YOUTH SHELTER

SANDY Town Council, Bedfordshire, is supporting the provision for young people in their town by replacing the current youth shelter. Contractor Play and Leisure installed the new youth shelter at Bedford Road Recreation Ground in November. The company also installed two anti-dog gates at Fallowfield the same day. The shelter aims to provide teenagers a place to ‘hang out’, socialise and watch nearby sports games. The design enables it be expanded to provide a meeting place and/or exercise centre for all ages in the future if needed.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2024

MAYOR EMBARKS ON RECORD THIRD TERM

The mayor of FARNHAM in Surrey, Cllr Alan Earwaker, renewed his promises of office for the third year running at his Civic Service on 9 July. He is the only councillor in the history of Farnham Town Council to have held the mayoral office for three consecutive years. During this new mayoral year, Cllr Earwaker has chosen a theme of “working together with the community, supporting young people”. In honour of his mission, he invited school representatives, community organisations and individuals who help deliver support to the community to be a part of his service. He said: “It is an immense privilege to be serving the community of Farnham for a third year. I am looking forward to seeing more of the fantastic work that our community does to make Farnham the place it is.”

Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2023

AWARDS

At their recent town council forum, the mayor and young mayor of SEAFORD celebrated those in the community providing exceptional support and services to people in and around the area. The 'Young Mayor’s Award' was presented to Amelia Woodgate for her volunteer work at the Seaford Down's Syndrome and Special Needs Group.
The 'Jean Cash Environment Award' went to Friends of Blatchington Pond, for their work in caring for the pond and surrounding wildlife.'Coastal Environment Champion' was Miriam Thundercliffe, for promoting environmental awareness. The 'Sporting Achievement Award' was won by Ocean Dadventure, for rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic, raising money for Prostate Cancer UK and the Wolo Foundation. The 'Seaford Town Hero went to Gemma McFarlane, for initiatives such as Sharing Skills CIC, the Repair Café, and the Pre-Loved Uniform Exchange.'Community Charity Champions' were The Youth Counselling Project (pictured), for their work helping young people who need mental health support, and The 'Don Mabey Award' was given to Miranda Bearns-Lowles, for delivering outstanding events for the town including this year’s Coronation Festival.

Clerks & Councils Direct July 2023

NALC AWARD FOR PANDEMIC HERO

CLLR Stefan Heighway of GREAT DAWLEY Town Council in Shropshire won the NALC Young Councillor of the Year Award in late October. He was first elected to the council in 2015 aged 26 and became mayor in 2020 at the age of 31, serving a two-year term. During the pandemic, Cllr Heighway helped to deliver breakfast parcels to families on free school meals and hot meals to those who were isolated. He attended food parcel collection services across the parish to remain visible, helped with signposting to partner agencies and services and hosted online videos to maintain communication with community members. When restrictions were lifted, he helped to host welcome back events for the community and visited shops and businesses to thank those who had worked hard during lockdown. He said: “It’s an absolute honour to receive this award. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me throughout the years – it is truly appreciated.

Clerks & Councils Direct January 2023

THUMBS UP FOR KIDS’ GREEN FINGERS

FARNHAM Town Council in Surrey held its Farnham in Bloom Community Awards on 5 October to celebrate its volunteers’ horticultural achievements. The ceremony included special prizes for local schools. The mayor, Cllr Alan Earwaker, said: “Schools play a vital role in the Farnham entry to Britain in Bloom and South and South East in Bloom. Children from nursery age up to teenagers contribute through their school gardens, wildlife gardens and competitions. Getting youngsters gardening is great fun, complements their education and is an investment for future years.” The winner of the schools’ Bloomin’ Biodiversity award was Potters Gate Church of England Primary School, while Rowledge C of E School grew both the tallest sunflower and the biggest pumpkin. “Congratulations to all the schools that won prizes and thank you to all the children, parents and school staff who helped schools participate,” said the mayor.

Clerks & Councils Direct November 2022