Lionel's Story: Interview with Thurrock's Member of Youth Parliament

Lionel - Thurrock's Member of Youth Parliament

How old are you?

Hi, I’m Lionel and I’m 14 years old

How long have you been a youth cabinet member for?

I’ve been part of Thurrock Youth Cabinet for 2 years now

How did you find out about Thurrock Youth Cabinet?

I first learnt about Thurrock Youth Cabinet a couple of years ago in my primary school when the Major visited. The Major discussed the Youth Cabinet’s work with the young people and I was inspired to join – as soon as I was old enough I applied and now here I am 😊

Why did you join the youth cabinet?

I wanted to join Thurrock Youth Cabinet to create change and ensure the voice of young people in Thurrock is listened to that’s important to me.

What is your role within the youth cabinet?

I am Thurrock’s Member of Youth Parliament. I was elected to this role in March 2022 for a 2-year term. As part of my role, I work with their MPs, decision-makers, councillors and local youth groups on the issues of greatest concern for young people. I attend British Youth Council conventions and UK Youth Parliament events and debates to represent the youth voice of Thurrock locally and nationally.

I oversee and start projects/campaigns on a locally level to help make changes for young people in Thurrock by working to amplify their views.

What change do you feel passionately about for young people in Thurrock?

Issues I have long been passionate about is drink spiking, substance misuse, sexual health and safety.

Music is also something I have been passionate about sharing with the young people of Thurrock more recently. An issue that has been brought to my attention is around the cost of living, the lack of extracurricular activities and access to music services.

Check out our Youth Music Survey here (add link) – it would be great if you could complete it to help us on our mission to improve music services for young people.

What ways do you think young people could get involved within their community?

Get involved in volunteering in your area, make your voice heard and inactive with the Youth Cabinet on your Have Your Say website (add link).

What do you want to be when you grow up?

My mood board is currently full of medicine, finance, politics and philanthropic work so maybe something along these lines 😊