KYC (Kingston Youth Council)
What is KYC?
Kingston Youth Council, or simply KYC, is a group that represents the young people of Kingston. Some describe KYC to be like the normal Kingston Council, but instead with young people.
It may sound like KYC is a very formal group and only for the most politically minded, but it's not! The reason for joining KYC for many of its members has not been due to the fact that they love politics, but because they want to show adults what young people really want.
The following aims form KYC's manifesto:
- To ensure that you and other young people are actively involved in the writing and implementation of the Children & Young People’s Participation Strategy.
- To enable young people aged 13–19 to discuss current themes and issues relevant to you as a young person living in the Royal Borough of Kingston.
- To get you actively involved in the design and delivery of services for young people.
- To enable local councillors, council departments, other agencies and the voluntary sector to receive your feedback and advice on issues relevant to young people living in Kingston borough.
- To enable you to inform the Council’s strategic planning and decision making process.
- To act as the umbrella forum for other young people’s groups or forums in the Borough in order to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
- To enable the Kingston Member of Youth Parliament to receive feedback from young people. And vice versa.
- To have voice on, and influence, various committees.
KYC is made up of a variety of young people all from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds from the ages of 13 to 19. They meet once a month and basically discuss issues that they believe matter to young people, for example an increase in sexual health facilities, and helping to improve the teenagers ward in Kingston Hospital. It may all sound like work, work, work, but the youth workers know that some members of KYC have school work and/or have a job so you can join in as much or as little as you want.
The chair of the KYC is Kingston's Member of Youth Parliament (MYP), for more information about the MYP, see the Member of Youth Parliament section.
Upsides to joining KYC
- You get to meet new people.
- You get to go on weekends away (which usually involves different activities like kayaking and obstacle courses).
- It is great to put on your CV and UCAS.
- If you are doing the Duke of Edinburgh's award, KYC can be your service section.
- You can get a customised KYC hoodie!
- Get to be more involved in the decisions that are made for you.
To join KYC please either call, email or write to get some more information.
Email:
Graham.Mann-Smith@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
Address:
Devon Way Centre
Devon Way
Chessington
KT9 2RJ
Mobile: 07786 702 164
Telephone: 020 8547 6788
Also see:
- Member of Youth Parliament (MYP)
Find out what skills and qualities a Member of Youth Parliament should have and learn about what they do.