Giving young people a voice, and introducing them to the importance of democracy has been celebrated in style by the Epping Forest Youth Council which is marking its ten year anniversary this year.
I was very pleased to be able to join more than 80 past and present Youth Councillors at a reception at the Houses of Parliament earlier this month, hosted by my Right Honourable Friend, Dame Eleanor Laing MP.
Over the years, the Youth Councillors have been given the chance to directly influence decisions which affect their lives, from the promotion of activities for young people and personal safety awareness, to drugs education, youth volunteering and positive mental health campaigns.
All the young people I have met who are members of the Youth Council, especially those representing Ongar in my constituency, are a credit to the Council and I hope this democratic group continues its good work for many years to come.