Youngsters across Pembrokeshire have the chance to take part in their very own Question Time next month.
Pembrokeshire Youth – Pembrokeshire County Council’s youth service – has been awarded a grant by the Welsh Assembly Government to host a special debate in November.
The debate will be the flagship event for Pembrokeshire Youth as it marks National Youth Work Week – 1st to 7th November – with a range of activities across the County.
It will be open to all young people aged 11-25 living in the County and will be based on the BBC’s long running Question Time.
Hosted by the County Youth Assembly, youngsters will be able to ask questions about issues that affect them to a panel of key decision-makers.
Organisers hope it will help young people learn about citizenship, contribute to political discussion, improve their speaking and listening skills as well as engage with members of the community.
Youngsters were asked what issues they considered important at the Pembrokeshire County Show in August and the results helped decide which decision makers would be invited to the panel.
Among the issues causing concern were: what are future plans for improving the area; why aren’t there more police around on the streets; why is Haverfordwest so untidy; why are health and safety so over the top and why are buses so expensive for children?”
Councillor Huw George, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “We want to get more young people involved in decision-making in Pembrokeshire.
“Young people sometimes see decisions made about issues that directly affect them as removed from their lives and by holding this event we are trying to give them the opportunity to interact with politics, democracy and current affairs through a very popular medium.”
Just like the real Question Time, the event will be filmed and will form part of a documentary film made by young people.
The debate takes place on Tuesday November 3rd at Hotel Plas Hyfryd in Narberth at 6pm.
Spaces are limited, so if you would like to attend. please contact the Youth Participation Team on 01646 680863.
Photograph: Councillor Huw George and members of the Youth Information Team consult with young people at the County Show
