UK Youth Parliament turns 21 this year!
Since 2001, UK Youth Parliament has given voice to over 10,000 young people as Members and Deputy Members of Youth Parliament. It enabled those from ALL backgrounds to experience representative democracy and campaigning on the issues they care about.
For many, it has opened up career paths into politics and positive social change that they wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.
To celebrate this milestone, the co-founder of UK Youth Parliament, Kate Parish is taking on an epic trek of 21 miles in one day on 21st August, as part of her annual challenge to raise £21,000 for the programme – now managed by the British Youth Council.
She’ll be walking along the Trailway between Sturminster Newton and Blandford Forum in Dorset, and back again, and is asking for people – particularly those who are previous Members of Youth Parliament – to donate £2.10, £21, £210, or even, £2,100!
All funds raised will go directly towards campaigns and activities related to UK Youth Parliament and its Members of Youth Parliament, aged between 11 and 18.
Kate Parish, Director of ‘Friends of UKYP’ says: “So many young people have benefitted from their experience of being a Member or Deputy Member of Youth Parliament, and I want to ensure many more can in the next 21 years. I’m undertaking this walk to celebrate UK Youth Parliament’s 21st birthday and to provide previous members with the chance to support me make a difference to other young people’s lives and enable them to continue campaigning in the future.”
Good luck from all at BYC and Friends of UKYP, Kate!