Bracknell

Cllr Mrs Gill Birch, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, will be facing her own question time from Bracknell Forest's young people on Monday (15 October) when she visits Coopers Hill Centre to talk about her role as mayor.

The visit to the youth forum, held at the Bracknell community centre, ties in with Local Democracy Week (15 - 21 October).

This is an initiative lead by the Local Government Association which aims to work with young people to increase their understanding of local democracy, community issues and the importance of making their voices heard.

The youth forum is held fortnightly and anyone aged 13-19 who lives in the borough is welcome to come along. The forum works on issues relevant to young people in Bracknell Forest and is attended by the borough's Member of Youth Parliament, Stephanie Cole.

Research commissioned by the Local Government Association shows that just one in three 11-16 year olds have ever met a councillor or MP and states that those who have ‘are more likely to express feelings of political engagement and interest.’

Local Democracy Week aims to engage young people and spark their interest in politics.

Cllr Mrs Birch will be talking with the Bracknell young people about what the job of councillor involves, her role as mayor and the democratic process involved in becoming a councillor.

Cllr Mrs Birch said: “The Local Democracy Campaign is about getting young people more involved with and aware of, their local council and councillors.

“I hope that my attendance at this evening will be useful for the young people and I hope they ask lots of questions.

“It is of the utmost importance to get young people interested in politics, both local and national, and encourage them to play a part.

“Who knows, one of them may become mayor of Bracknell Forest!"

For more information on the youth forum, email johane.pitney@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council