Young people have taken over Salford City Council for a day and decided which charity the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford should support next year.
Schoolchildren from Albion Academy, Buile Hill and Harrop Fold high schools and Peel Hall and Lewis Street primary schools, supported by young people from the Young Carers Centre and Salford Youth Council spent the day debating and voting.
The teenagers considered Salford-based charities supporting vulnerable children, homeless people and people in food poverty and the final vote decided Councillor Peter Connor should support Salford Emmaus which works to end homelessness.
Councillor Connor will become the city’s Ceremonial Mayor in May this year. Each year the Ceremonial Mayor chooses three charities and raises funds for them as part of their mayoral year.
Councillor Lisa Stone, lead member for children’s and young people’s services, said: “Unfortunately Councillor Connor was unwell today so on his behalf I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the adults and young people who have taken part today.
“It has been fantastic to let young people be part of the decision making process. They are the future of our city – our workers, our community, maybe even our politicians so it’s a great chance for them to take part in some real democracy and make a decision on behalf of Salford City Council which will last for a year.”
Four members of the Youth Council also toured the building interviewing the City Mayor Paul Dennett and members of council staff, posting the results on Facebook Live.
City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “We have some excellent and very active young people and groups in Salford and I’m always pleased to work with them. I’m glad that so many of our staff have taken part to give the young people and the public a look behind the scenes at the important work we do.”
Takeover day is a project backed by the Children’s Commissioner to put children and young people in decision-making positions and gain an insight into the adult world of work while encouraging organisations and businesses to hear their views and gain a fresh perspective on their work.
