Young people - vote to prioritise mental health
Young people across the UK will be able to vote to make improving mental health services a government priority.
‘Make your Mark’ – a UK wide ballot gives young people aged 11 to 18-years-old the opportunity to decide what Members of Youth Parliament should debate and vote on when they sit in the House of Commons in November.
The top five issues voted on by young people will be debated on 23 November 2012 by Members of the Youth Parliament in the House of Commons. One topic will be chosen to be the UK Youth Parliament’s national campaign for next year.
There are 15 statements that young people can vote for. The mental health one says:- “Mental health services should be improved and better promoted. Young people should be consulted on how this should be done. Mental health education should be compulsory in our curriculum to provide information on common clinical conditions including depression and to challenge stereotypes.”
Other issues that young people can vote on include giving all people in the UK equal rights to marriage, urging youth services not to be cut, making public transport cheaper and more accessible for all, votes for 16 and 17 year olds in public election and referendums and an improved student bursary system.
Young people could also vote on an equal national minimum wage for all or a school curriculum to prepare young people for life with improved sex and relationship education, cultural awareness, community cohesion and financial skills for sustainable living.
Voters need to decide what they consider the most important issue for young people in the UK out of the 15 options.
The ‘Make your Mark’ ballot is open for people to vote until 12 October 2012.
Five hundred thousand ballot papers have been delivered to local authorities and schools across the UK and young people can vote here.
The mental health pledge is the 8th one down the list with the title ‘Our Minds Matter’.
