It's good to talk

The event, held in Cloonavin, marked the seventh annual Local Democracy Week and facilitated an evening of discussion and dialogue between elected members and local teenagers.

Members of the Youth Council questioned the Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Norman Hillis and councillors Timothy Deans, Phyllis Fielding, Sam Cole, Roisin Loftus, Adrian McQuillan, David Barbour and Sandy Gilkinson on matters relating to tourism, community safety and council facilities.

Councillors also spoke about how they became interested in local politics and what motivates them to stay involved.

Local Democracy Week encourages young people to get more involved in local government while creating an awareness of their local council.

Speaking after the event, Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Norman Hillis, said: “Local Democracy Week puts younger people at the heart of local decision-making with Council’s across Northern Ireland coming up with innovative means of opening their doors to the younger generation.

“It’s a great way for everyone involved to exchange views, learn something about how local democracy works while providing a fresh perspective on local issues.”

Karina McCollum, Council Community Development Officer, added: “The Let’s Talk event provided a great opportunity for young people to ask questions to local councillors and gain a better understanding of local politics.

“As well as being a fun event for both the young people and councillors, it also helps us forge better links with teenagers across the Borough. I believe it was an effective way for Council to gain a better understanding of the issues that are important to our young people.”

Council is also supporting a unique youth initiative, which is being led by North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) Youth Service.

The Mobile Youth Consultation and Participation Project is running throughout the autumn and winter months across the Coleraine Borough area in an effort to promote Active Citizenship to young people.

The mobile unit and NEELB staff will travel to various towns and villages to hold youth clinics. They will be met by local councillors who represent that area.

Young people are encouraged to go along to the clinics for an informal chat with their local councillors and to engage with the very proactive Youth Service staff of the NEELB.

For dates and times of the up and coming Youth Clinics contact Karina McCollum at Coleraine Borough Council, telephone 7034 7044.