Charities boosted as youth conference returns

SECONDARY school pupils have been inspired by the return of an event geared at teaching them about local democracy.

It came as the fifth Havant Youth Conference took place on at the Public Service Plaza on Friday.

Learners from schools across the borough got the chance to meet politicians and even had the power to award grants worth £4,000 to three local charities.

After a series of ‘powerful’ presentations from each charity, participants voted by ballot to give Motiv8 £2,500, Off the Record £1,000 and Oarsome Chance £500.

During the day, the leader of Havant Borough Council Michael Wilson and councillor Prad Bains talked about their roles and how they help shape the borough.

Mike Lock from Havant and East Hants Mind also discussed the importance of mental health.

Pupils were given the chance to take part in interactive workshops about voting and being smart with money and had the opportunity to grill councillors during a special Q&A session.

Councillor Leah Turner, cabinet lead for communities, development and housing, hopes the event will encourage the youngsters to engage with politics.