Little me, BIG VOICE!

The Claim Your Voice project was a great success providing a fantastic opportunity for young people to meet with local decision makers.

The Doncaster Claim Your Voice event took place at The Point on Wednesday 23rd September 2009 and it was open to anyone aged 16-25 and the day involved information and workshops about local issues. Representatives from Connexions, Doncaster Housing for Young People, the House of Commons Information Office and M25 Housing Support took part in a political ‘speed dating’ session and there was also an opportunity to participate in a question and answer session with Rosie Winterton MP, Councillor Eva Hughes and Councillor Eric Tatum-Kelly.

There were various issues discussed during the day and questions were asked about housing, funding for small business ventures and the difficulty experienced by 20 – 25 year olds when accessing funding for further education, there was a particular emphasis on difficulties faced by those on benefits.

When asked about the Claim Your Voice event, Ryan Hall, a 25 year old project volunteer, said “The day was extremely helpful not only to myself but to others in understanding more about politics!”.

Eva Hughes, a local councillor said “I was very impressed with the enthusiasm of the young people and perhaps we have here some of the politicians of the future!”