Douglas Youth Council Coming Soon

Douglas is about to get a youth council.

The city council is planning to launch a brand new Douglas Youth Council (DYC), giving young people a proper say in what goes on in the capital (about time, some might say).

If it gets the final green light, the scheme will run as a one-year trial, with the aim of getting more young people involved in local democracy and making sure their voices are actually heard, not just nodded at politely.

So what does that mean in real life?

Well, members will get to meet councillors, chat with council officers, and have their say on decisions, projects and anything else affecting young people in Douglas.

They’ll even be able to submit questions to council meetings and put forward ideas.

The youth council will be made up of 12 volunteers aged between 15 and 18, all living in Douglas. They’ll come from Ballakermeen, St Ninian’s and UCM, four from each, and will serve for a year.

Fancy it? Nominations are expected to open in September, with elections in October if needed, and the first meeting pencilled in for November.

And it’s not just about turning up and sitting quietly, members will be expected to go back to their schools and mates to get opinions, making sure they’re speaking for as many young people as possible.

There’s even a proposed £10,000 budget to help fund projects, events and campaigns, so if you’ve got ideas, this could be your moment.

Council leader Devon Watson said it’s all about giving young people a “genuine voice” and helping them understand how decisions are made.