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UK Youth Parliament

SRE reforms driven by UKYP

Following the UK Youth Parliament  SRE campaign and survey of over 20,000 young people, the Government announced a range of reforms, including making PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) a compulsory part of the curriculum for 5 to 16 year-olds. The new school curriculum will include consistent sex and relationships education for all young people.

The Government report says;

"It is impossible for us to ignore the findings from the UK Youth Parliament's report on SRE, which showed that a very significant number of young people felt their SRE had not given them the knowledge and skills they need. It is important, therefore, that young people's views are given proper consideration alongside those of parents, governors and school staff."

Katrina Mather, South East PG commented;

"Today's announcement from the government on SRE is something we should be extremely proud about, everyone has worked so hard on this campaign to make it a success, now the hard work has all paid off. It's amazing that professionals have spent 25 years campaigning for compulsory sex education, yet we have come along and in a year achieved what professionals have been working towards for decades. Now we can truly say we are "making our mark" and getting young peoples' voices to the top of the political agenda!"

Andy Hamflett, Chief Executive of the UK Youth Parliament said; "This is a historic day for the UK Youth Parliament and MYPs everywhere. The Government could not have been clearer about the pivotal campaigning role UKYP played in this review of provision, which will have a major positive effect on the lives of millions of young people for many years to come..
It's the best possible celebration of what we're all about - creative campaigning, led by young people, built on strong partnerships and drawing on staff and Local Authority youth worker support when needed. My thanks and congratulations go to absolutely everyone who has made this success possible. In particular, MYPs everywhere should feel really proud of what they have achieved."

Liz Harding from the North West Regional Youth Work Unit said "The government's decision to listen to young people and ensure good quality sex and relationships education is a huge step forward and one that is supported by young people throughout the country. Young people have been the driving force behind this decision today and must continue to be fully involved in every aspect of designing the new curriculum."

United Kingdom Youth Parliament is made up of young people across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. UKYP aims to give the young people of the UK a voice, which will be heard and listened to by local and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people.  UKYP has the support of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Leader of the Opposition David Cameron, and the Liberal Democrats.

The UKYP has a rolling programme. They meet on an annual basis, and give the young people of the UK a chance to express their views and concerns at the highest levels.

Bury currently has 1 Member of Youth Parliamnet (MYP) and 2 Deputy Members of Youth Parliament (DMYPs). These young people were elected in March when 6775 young people who either live or are educated in Bury voted. The elected young people work closely with other young people in Bury through our Youth Cabinet, Youth Action groups and School Councils. The views of young people in Bury then contribute to the regional and national agenda.

Bury will be holding a new election for UKYP in February 09 for more information contact us by email at YouthService@bury.gov.uk

UKYP

This year Bury made it into the prestigious top 10 list of local authorities in England in terms of vote turn out. We came 10th out of around 120 participating authorities in England with 34.88% of young people in Bury voting. Last year we had 23.16% so this is a really significant increase. Thanks to everyone who helped to make this year's election so successful.