Nominations have opened for young people interested in becoming councillors and sitting on South Cambridgeshire District Council‘s all new youth council.

There are 20 places available for young people aged 13 to 18 years old who want to have a say about the things that matter to them in their local area, and across the district as a whole.

The role of a youth councillor is to represent the views and opinions of all young people in South Cambridgeshire, and to become involved in, and contribute to, the well-being of local young people and the wider community.

There are a lot of things that youth councillors may want to work with South Cambridgeshire District Council on, including new housing developments, sports and arts activities, jobs and businesses, climate change and energy, and communication with residents.

Youth councillors will develop leadership skills, gain confidence, get involved in decision-making and help organise youth and community events.

Officers from South Cambridgeshire District Council will be visiting the district’s nine village colleges, and the Connections Youth Bus that tours the area, throughout April to talk to young people about what is involved in becoming a youth councillor, answer any questions, and help them sign up and stand for election.

Tracy Mann, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Development Officer, said:

Young people really care about all sorts of things that affect them, and the youth council will help them get involved in democracy at an early age. If you live in South Cambridgeshire and believe you should have a say in the decisions that are made on your behalf, then please volunteer to become a youth councillor and really help us to help you make a difference.

Young people can nominate themselves until the closing date on 1 August 2012.

If there are enough candidates who want to stand on the new youth council an election will be held in September.

For further information, or if you, or someone you know, would like to become a youth councillor, please contact Tracy Mann on (01954) 713342 or email tracy.mann@scambs.gov.uk

Residents of all ages can also follow the youth council by ‘liking’ its Facebook page. Log in to Facebook and search for South Cambridgeshire Youth Council.