Orkney MSYP urges young people to stand for Youth Parliament as sitting comes to a close

Orkney has farewelled Scotland’s MSYPs who met at KGS recently (2 and 3 July) for a formal sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Over the course of the event, MSYPs met to discuss and take part in consultations on issues important to young people, including involving the perspectives of care experienced young people and young carers in decision making.

The sitting – the first held in Orkney for more than 15 years – was organised by Scottish Youth Parliament in collaboration with Orkney Islands Council’s Community Development and Employability (CLDE) service.

SYP holds two National Sittings across the country every year and two online and hybrid events for Members.

Orkney’s MSYP, Kaydence Drayak, helped formally open proceedings: “It was a pleasure and honour to welcome fellow MSYPs to the sitting here in Orkney. Thank you to SYP and the Council’s CLDE and Youth Services teams for all their work in preparing the event and ensuring it was a both a success and an informative and inspiring experience. I’d urge young people in Orkney who want to see change for the better for our future to stand for election onto SYP - visit www.syp.org.uk or get in touch with me at kaydence.drayak.msyp@sypmail.org.uk to find out more.”

Director of Education, Leisure and Housing for OIC, James Wylie said: “Our CLDE team do an amazing job year in year out supporting young people to participate in youth voice and make the most of opportunities. Getting involved in Scottish Youth Parliament has so much to offer in terms of developing confidence and an understanding of how to have an impact wherever you apply yourself – and these are great skills for any young person.”

Cheryl Rafferty is the Council’s Team Manager for Youth Services, and works with OIC’s wider CLDE team and the Council’s Education service to encourage young people to get involved with the Scottish Youth Parliament – either by standing themselves for election, or by voting. She said: “Being an MSYP is a great opportunity for young people to help drive the change they want to see in Scotland. Right now, applications are open for the next SYP election. Young people have until the end of this month to put themselves forward, at a time when its vitally important their voice is heard.

“Our team supports young people from Orkney through the campaign and election process, and beyond to help them make the most of the fantastic opportunities and life experience being an MSYP offers.

“If a young person feels they aren’t quite ready to stand as an MSYP but would like to become involved in the Orkney Youth Forum which is the voice of local young people, they can get in touch at youthforumorkney@gmail.com or cld@orkney.gov.uk.

“Huge thanks again to everyone who helped bring the SYP to Orkney including Northlink who sponsored the trip for MSYPs across the Pentland Firth and from Shetland – and the many other organisations who supported the event by offering freebies and assistance.”