YMCA Norfolk runs general election workshop 

YMCA Norfolk has run workshops to encourage young people to take an interest in the general election and the YMCA nationally has produced its own election manifesto.

The YMCA in Norwich hosted its Y Vote event, where young people and key workers discussed political topics and invited five parliamentary candidates standing for the Norwich South seat to participate. Only the Liberal Democrat candidate attended but young people who took part said the event helped them focus on issues that matter to them.
 
Damien, 18, has lived at the YMCA in Norwich for nine months, and said he had not understood the process of voting. He told the BBC that he will vote in the general election and the main issue he was focused on was the cost of living.

"The amount I am on because I cannot work means it is quite hard to buy simple things," he said.

"Things like that are really important to people who are in vulnerable situations. Today has helped me. I've managed to look at what my priorities would be so I can easily look what any party says it is going to do, and what will be more important to me."
 
Lauren Willgress from YMCA Norfolk said: “I was thrilled to be invited over to My Place for their Y Vote event where young people discussed the YMCA Manifesto and what their priorities were when voting for the next UK government.
 
“It was an insightful discussion hearing from young people's personal experiences and their perspectives on politics. Local political candidates were invited and we were joined by a local Liberal Democrat candidate who listened to what our young people have to say.”
 
YMCA England and Wales have produced their General Election Manifesto, covering five key areas:

• Youth Services – Every Young Person Should Have Access To Youth Services In Their Area All Year Round.
• Housing and Homelessness – Every Young Person Should Have Access To Affordable, Good Quality, Safe And Secure Housing.
• Cost of Living – Every Young Person Should Have The Financial Support To Allow Them To Meet Their Essential Needs.
• Education – Every Young Person Should Receive Good Quality Education And Training Which Gives Them The Best Start In Life.
• Wellbeing – Every Young Person Should Be Able To Build Resilience And Positive Wellbeing, While Also Being Able To Access Timely Help And Support When Facing Physical Or Mental Health Challenges.

Read more here

Article extracts from BBC.co.uk
 
Pictured above is the election workshop organised by YMCA Norfolk.