I first heard about the Youth Cabinet when there were elections at my school. I fancied having a go - it seemed a good way to change things in my area.

Standing for election

I had to write my own campaigns and then I could stand for election as Youth Cabinet member for Eastbourne North. My two main campaigns were changing the image of young people in society and improving leisure facilities. I gave talks at my school, Bishop Bell, and Willingdon, to encourage people to vote for me. There were three of us competing for two places and I was really nervous waiting to hear the results. I was so excited when I heard I’d been elected!  Because I got the most votes out of the three, I am also Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP) for Eastbourne.

Being part of the Youth Cabinet

So now I meet the other members of the Youth Cabinet once a month where we all get together and discuss our campaigns – as well as getting through lots of biscuits and hot chocolate.

There’s a lot to do – working on my own campaigns as well as those for the Youth Cabinet and the Youth Parliament. The campaign I feel most strongly about is the buses – I’m campaigning to allow all under 18s in full-time education free or cheap bus fares.

 Lots of older people are quite naïve about what young people want! All the members of the Youth Cabinet are really close and I’ve made some good friends.   I also found it a bit difficult fitting in meetings and campaigning round in my school work but I’ve got used to it now.

Join us!

I’d really recommend standing for the Youth Cabinet if anyone is considering it. It develops you as a person  - standing up and talking in front of 100 people definitely builds your confidence!

Lauren, 15, from Eastbourne

What do you think of Lauren’s story? Leave a comment.

Do you have a real life story to share? Get in touch.