Myspkatiehasa talent inpolitics

Uddingston Grammar pupil Katie Talent has been getting to work in her new role as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) for Uddingston and Bellshill, to ensure the voices of the young people she represents are heard.

She was delighted to be selected for the role.

She said:“i was elected as an MSYP for my constituency of Uddingston and Bellshill following SYP’S elections in March 2017 in which over 80,000 young people cast their votes.”

Katie recently travelled to West Dunbartonshire to take part in her first sitting as an MSYP.

The 63rd annual sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament on June 24 and 25 saw over150 MSYP’S and their support workers descend on the town of Alexandria from all corners of Scotland.

Katie added:“at the recent sitting, I threw myself into my work, taking part in training sessions, meeting my fellow MSYPS, undertaking workshops to better prepare myself for my role as MSYP, and participating in SYP’S AGM.”

Every year, SYP selects a national campaign, and at the June sitting the membership was presented with five options from which to choose, including public transport, young people’s rights, climate change, PSHE, and youth work.

After hearing pitches on each of the options, the membership voted, and the subject of young people’s rights was chosen as the national campaign for the next 12 months.

Katie said:“my headteacher was the person who suggested I stand to be an MSYP. I was a bit hesitant but I am so glad I did.

“So far, I’ve met with my partner MSYP, met with Southlanarkshire Youth Council, and attended my first sitting.

“Even though I’ve only been an MSYP for a few weeks, SYP is already beginning to change my life. I’ve made so many great new friends and met other MSYPS from all over the country.”

She added:“before the election, I was shy and didn’t have much confidence.

“SYP has changed that for the better! If it didn’t exist, Scotland’s young people wouldn’t have as much of a voice as they do today.”