Neath Port Talbot’s young people elect first ever Youth Mayor

Neath Port Talbot’s young people have elected Abi Price to be the county borough’s first ever Youth Mayor.

Abi,aged 18, is a former pupil and Head Girl at Dyffryn School in Margam.As the Youth Mayor, Abi will be the voice for allchildren and young people across the county borough and will also shadow the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot at a number of pre-determined Civic duties.

The election of the first Youth Mayor followed a three week campaign in which four candidates aged between 13 and 19 submitted a manifesto to their counterparts in the Youth Council. Members then cast their vote for their chosen candidate in which Abi received the highest number of votes.

In her manifesto, Abi stated:

“As Youth Mayor I would be proactive in ensuring that the views and wishes of young people are made known, as I believe that it is imperative that young people have a voice as young people shape the future.

“I would try to ensure that the young people of Neath Port Talbot are consulted on decisions which affect them and know how to complain if they feel they are not being heard, as the Youth Council did when we attended an anti-bullying consultation.”

Councillor Scott Jones, Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, said:

“I’d like to congratulate Abi on becoming the first Youth Mayor of Neath Port Talbot. This is a great opportunity to inspire other young people and make sure they have their say.

“I’d also like to congratulate all the other candidates on a great campaign.It is clear from their manifestos that all the candidates have the passion and drive to make sure children and young people are heard.”

 The award winning Neath Port Talbot Youth Council empowers people aged between 11–25 to have a say and influence change in decisions affecting their lives. The group meet every three months with decision makers to represent the voices of young people and enable their views to be listened to. Last year, the groupwere successful in winning the category of ‘Promoting Young People’s Rights’ at the Welsh Government’s Youth Work Excellence Awards.

Abi will be officially inaugurated as the First Youth Citizen of the county borough at a ceremony in September and will undertake the role for a year.