Council thanks outgoing chair of Neath Port Talbot’s Youth Council

Neath Port Talbot Council has expressed its thanks to the outgoing chair of the Youth Council Forum.

Seren Wonklyn, chair of Neath Port Talbot’s award winning Youth Council, is leaving her position to begin her studies at Bristol University in September. For the past four years, Seren has been an outstanding representative and role model for young people across the county borough.

Seren has been actively involved in the Youth Council since 2017, having first been elected as a member, then being elected to deputy chair followed by chair in 2018. Seren represents St. Joseph’s RC School and 6th Form Centre.

During her tenure, Seren led the Youth Council to achieve fantastic outcomes at a local, regional and national level. Seren was involved in developing Neath Port Talbots first LGBTQ+ Youth Club, successfully lobbying to get first aid training for hundreds of school pupils, and representing local skaters to improve the drainage at a skate park.

All of this work and the work of the Youth Council was recognised in 2018 when the Youth Council won the National Youth Excellence Award for promoting Children’s Rights. At the ceremony, Seren delivered such a powerful speech that she received a standing ovation. The Youth Council is now recognised across Wales as leaders in their sector.

Carolyn Wellington, Youth & Community worker at Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “Seren has been a great ambassador for young people in Neath Port Talbot and has risen to every challenge presented to her.

“Most people would get nervous or anxious about delivering a workshop to professionals from across the UK. Whereas Seren took it all in her stride and showcased the achievements of the Youth Council at a British Youth Council meeting in London.

“Whether it was petitioning Welsh Government, challenging politicians or amplifying the voices of young people, Seren led the Youth Council to go that extra mile.

One of Seren’s proudest moments was chairing the first-ever inauguration of Neath Port Talbot’s Youth Mayor and Deputy Mayor in 2019.

Abi Price, Neath Port Talbot’s Youth Mayor, said: “It’s been a joy to volunteer alongside Seren for the last four years. She‘s been a valued member of the Youth Council and an exceptional chair. Seren will be missed by us all. I wish her all the best at Bristol University.”

Councillor Rob Jones, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said:

“On behalf of Neath Port Talbot Council, I would like to thank you for all the hard work you have put into your role over the past four years. It has been a pleasure to work with you on the Youth Council Forum.

“Your service and dedication to young people across the county borough is greatly valued and appreciated.

“I wish you the best of luck as you start the next stage of your learning journey at university”.