The Welsh Youth Parliament (WYP) () is a youth model legislature established in 2018 by the

Senedd The Senedd (; ), officially known as the Welsh Parliament in English and () in Welsh, is the devolved, unicameral legislature of Wales. A democratically elected body, it makes laws for Wales, agrees certain taxes and scrutinises the Welsh Gove ...

(then the

National Assembly for Wales The Senedd (; ), officially known as the Welsh Parliament in English language, English and () in Welsh language, Welsh, is the Devolution in the United Kingdom, devolved, unicameral legislature of Wales. A democratically elected body, it makes ...

). It states that its purpose is to empower young people to make decisions and to provide them with a voice in Welsh politics.

Background

The WYP was formed in December 2018 and consists of sixty members of 11 to 18 year olds. Forty members were elected in an electronic election using the Senedd constituencies and twenty further members were chosen by partner organisations. The young people are known as Members of the Welsh Youth Parliament (WYPMs). All sixty members of the Parliament meet nationally, over a total of three occasions, during their two-year term. The organisation meets at the

Senedd building The Senedd building () in Cardiff houses the debating chamber and three committee rooms of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament; , formerly the National Assembly for Wales). The Senedd building was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 1 March 2006, Saint ...

Cardiff Bay Cardiff Bay ( cy, Bae Caerdydd; historically Tiger Bay; colloquially "The Bay") is an area and freshwater lake in Cardiff, Wales. The site of a former tidal bay and estuary, it serves as the river mouth of the River Taff and Ely. The body of w ...

. The first meeting of all members took place in February 2019. In addition the members meet in regional meetings to continue their work programme; which are held in the four electoral regions of Wales - Mid & West Wales, North Wales, South-East Wales and South-West Wales. Three regional events are also held over the two-year term where young people from all over Wales can meet with their elected representatives and have their views heard.

Partner organisations

At its inception, youth organisations across Wales were invited to apply to be partner organisations for the inaugural Parliament. Those who were chosen returned between one and three members each to represent them, coming from a diverse range of people in Wales. Partner organisations of the Welsh Youth Parliament include: * Barnardo's Cymru * Caerphilly Youth Service * Carers Trust Wales * Ethnic Minorities & Youth Support Team Wales and Race Council Cymru *

Girlguiding Cymru Girlguiding Cymru (Welsh: ''Bysowch Barod Cymru'') is one of the nine regions of Girlguiding UK. It serves the approximate area of Wales, although the boundaries are not exact. In 2004, there were 6,964 youth participant groups. Until 1938 Wales ...

* Learning Disability Wales * National Youth Advocacy Service * Talking Hands * Tros Gynnal Plant Cymru *

Urdd Gobaith Cymru Urdd Gobaith Cymru () (known as the Urdd) is a national voluntary youth organisation, which claimed over 56,000 members in 2019 aged between 8 and 25 years old. It provides opportunities for children and young people across Wales to take part ...

* Voices from Care Cymru * Youth Cymru *

YMCA YMCA, sometimes regionally called the Y, is a worldwide youth organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, with more than 64 million beneficiaries in 120 countries. It was founded on 6 June 1844 by George Williams in London, originally ...

Swansea

References

{{Politics and Government in Cardiff Youth empowerment organizations Politics of Wales Youth organisations based in Wales Youth model government 2018 establishments in Wales Youth organizations established in 2018

Background

Partner organisations

See also

References