Leigh Academy Ebbsfleet is proudly celebrating the election of one of its students, Cristian, as a Deputy Member of the Kent County Council (KCC) Youth Council. This achievement places the student directly into one of the most significant youth political bodies in the county, following a competitive election that saw only 144 candidates elected out of 168 who stood for election.
The Deputy Member role is a one-year appointment and provides a vital platform for youth advocacy. Cristian will be focusing on several key areas based on their campaign promises and the needs of young people in the area:
- Political Engagement: Organising elections and mini-votes to gather real-time opinions from young people on issues, ensuring their requirements are spread to Parliament.
- Youth Parliament Connection: The role offers the opportunity to go to Parliament once a year for meetings and welcomes visitors from Parliament, connecting local youth issues with national decision-makers.
- Organising Campaigns: Getting involved in various KCC Youth Council initiatives, including campaigning groups and specific tasks to work on, to deliver real change.
A central focus for Cristian will be their work as the Vice Chair for the KCC Youth Council Mental Health Group. Drawing on personal experience, they are dedicated to tackling the issue of exam stress by:
- Creating and distributing posters for awareness about exam pressures.
- Developing practical resources for students to manage stress and anxiety effectively.
This initiative is a powerful step towards destigmatizing mental health and ensuring young people have the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally.
