New democracy project for young people launched

Sevenoaks District Council has a new face to help encourage young people to take a greater interest in local and national democracy.

Nancy Woodcock joined the Council in April to run its innovative 'Generation X' project across the District.

The project aims to increase young people’s understanding of local democracy, and how the electoral process works, to provide an insight into how local government operates and to develop and sustain links between young people in the District and District, town and parish councillors.

The project will be aimed specifically at young people aged between 16 and 18 in schools and youth groups, raising awareness of the democratic process with an emphasis on participative learning. Those taking part will have the opportunity to design and deliver workshops to their peers at local schools and youth groups.

It will culminate in a Democracy Conference for young people to be held in March 2006.

Nancy has experience of working with young people of all ages and says: "I can't wait to get the project up and running, it will be a real challenge to get young people involved, and to help them understand the importance of democracy".

Cllr Peter Fleming, the Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for young people, adds: "This project sets out with the ambitious aim of educating young people about the institutions that affect them, and getting them involved in local and national democracy. It is important we help the next generation of voters understand the democratic process and get them interested in it".

The project is funded by a grant from the Electoral Commissions New Initiatives Fund for one year although the project will sustain links between young people and local councillors beyond the life of the project.

The project is a partnership between Sevenoaks District Council, town and parish councils, V.S.U. Youth in Action, voluntary and statutory youth groups and young people.

For more information on the Generation X Project contact Nancy Woodcock at Sevenoaks District Council on 01732 227377 or email nancy.woodcock@sevenoaks.gov.uk