Orkney’s Young People gather for Chamber debate - 2019

Young people from across Orkney will gather in the Council Chamber to debate issues of importance to them later this month.

This year’s Youth Chamber Debate will take place on Wednesday 20 November – United Nations Universal Children’s Day.

Around 25 young people from Kirkwall Grammar School, Stromness Academy, isles’ Junior Highs, Orkney College and the Connect Project have all been invited to take part in the debate which is held every two years in the Chamber at the Council Offices in Kirkwall. Some of the young people will be presenting papers on the topics.

Senior officials from the Council along with a number of elected members and professionals involved in providing support services for young people have also been invited to participate in the event.

Three topics will be discussed and debated on the day:

• Environmental Protection.
• Knife Crime.
• Transport.

The topics were determined by the Orkney results from the British Youth Council’s ‘Make Your Mark’ campaign which asks young people across the UK to vote on what issues concern them most. Young people aged 11 to 18 and in Education in Orkney were consulted, with a return rate of 37%, and results compiled by the Council’s Community Learning and Development team.

Discussions on the day will be chaired by Council Convener Harvey Johnston.

Councillor Johnston said: “This event gives young folk from across Orkney the opportunity to discuss issues which affect them.

“Importantly, it also gives our senior officers and elected members here in the Council a chance to hear first hand about what concerns this age group, and gain a deeper understanding of how those issues impact on them.

“It’s also a fine opportunity for young folk to share ideas they have for improving and enriching the experience of growing up in Orkney.”

The last Chamber Debate was in December 2017. The topics debated then were Mental Health, Work Experience Opportunities, LGBT+ Young people, and Young People and Alcohol.