The search is on for a new Highland youth convener who will be a sounding board for youth issues in the region with a direct line to policy makers and decision takers – the post holder is a member of Highland Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee, with full voting powers and works with High Life Highland's youth services team
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A new youth convener is needed to champion the cause of young people in the Highlands.
The role is the sounding board for youth issues in the region and has a direct line to policy makers and decision takers.
A youth convener is a unique role in that the post holder is a member of Highland Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee, with full voting powers.
The youth convener also works with High Life Highland's youth services team in developing the Highland Youth Parliament and other initiatives that increase youth involvement in decisions that affect them.
A key requirement of the role is an awareness of issues affecting young people and an ability to represent their views – good communication skills are required, as is the ability to work with and relate to a wide range of people and organisations.
In 2020-2021, young people involved in the Highland Youth Parliament have highlighted their issues and concerns including:
• mental health concerns due to Covid-19, isolation and academic stress;
• anxieties about the school environment;
• effects of the exam challenges due to coronavirus and worries about the alternatives;
• employment concerns and lack of information about opportunities.
Mark Richardson, the principal youth work manager for High Life Highland, said; “Now, more than ever, young people are needing support and a voice to highlight what they need.
"The youth convener role provides a platform for that over the next 12 months to provide a full-time face, voice and connection for young people and link to services for them across the Highland area.”
