Canterbury KYCC candidates

Voting opened on 11 November and closes on 24 November for the Kent Youth County Council elections.

Results of the election will be published on 3 December.

Candidate manifestos

Read their manifestos to find out more about what issues they're standing for and submit your vote!

I want you to vote for me because:

Life is for us not me,
I’ll fight for justice, you see.
Women’s power, racial rights,
Climate action, mental heights,
Let’s rise, take flight.

Issue 1: women empowerment

I’ll push for leadership workshops, equal opportunities in education and sports, and free menstrual products in all schools. I’ll also work to challenge gender stereotypes, inspiring young women to break barriers and achieve their dreams.

Issue 2: racial rights

I’ll focus on racial rights by advocating for community safety initiatives, supporting local programs that promote awareness, and creating spaces for open discussions. I want to ensure everyone feels safe and valued in our neighbourhoods, fostering understanding and respect among all.

Issue 3: climate action

I’m passionate about mental health awareness and want to speak out about its importance. I’ll encourage open conversations in our community and support initiatives that help others share their stories. Together, we can build confidence so everyone feels comfortable discussing mental health.

I want you to vote for me because:

I have 2 years of experience, acquiring many essential skills needed for this, and I am very passionate and ambitious in what I do!

Issue 1: transport

I think me and you can both agree, the buses and trains in Kent certainly need improvement. I will strive to change the quality of your journeys to ensure all young people in Kent feel safe and comfortable while using public transport.

Issue 2: feeling safe in Kent

I know many people around me who do not feel safe in Kent, and this is unacceptable. During my time at Kent Youth County Council, we have developed many ways to ensure that young people feel safe in Kent, and I would love to continue my work in this sector!

Issue 3: climate change

Our climate is a very big issue in our world today. I will continue advocating for climate change awareness within our communities to ensure we all do our part in reducing our carbon footprints.

I want you to vote for me because:

I think the environment is a big part of our world and that it is our duty to protect it and cherish.

Issue 1: up-cycling materials

Many people don't have clean water or clothes to wear if we could just up-cycle it we could make a difference. Studies show that 15% approximately of the world's water pollution is caused by the fashion industries and about 20% of the product is wasted.

Issue 2: keeping our streets clean

I have noticed that even though there are public bins there is still trash scattered in public areas. The main problem is the plastic as it is not biodegradable and every piece of plastic made still exists and will not ever cease to exist.

Issue 3: spreading awareness to others

I think a major concern is that many people don't understand the effects of their actions and how it many effect the future generation and there chance to survive as global warming can effect the oxygen levels.

I want you to vote for me because:

I want schools to teach practical life skills, improve access to healthy foods, and give all young people equal STEM education initiatives.

Issue 1: teach real skills to prepare students for life beyond the classroom

In this campaign, I want schools to teach practical life skills like financial literacy, communication and problem-solving. I’ll push for lessons on budgeting, taxes, job applications and decision-making to help students be better prepared for the real world.

Issue 2: good food for growing youth

In this campaign, I want to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating for youth and the barriers they face in accessing nutritious food. I’ll advocate for policies that support food access initiatives and host food drives along with educational workshops on nutrition and cooking.

Issue 3: expand STEM learning for young minds

In this campaign, I want to promote awareness of STEM's importance and advocate for hands-on learning in schools. I’ll organize workshops and events that engage students, especially girls and minorities, to encourage their participation in STEM fields.

I want you to vote for me because:

I want to ensure that all people feel safe in public spaces (for example, transport, streets, parks) especially young females and LGBTQ+ community.

Issue 1: public safety on transport

The big issue at the moment is that trains and buses are lacking enough people (guards) to prevent sexual harassment and public violence. That's why I want to improve and increase monitoring on public transport in order to prevent those incidents.

Issue 2: safety on the streets

Many incidents like sexual harassment and catcalling happen at night because there are not enough street lights. We should install more in places where young people can go in case they need to report an emergency. Not all streets have CCTV which can be used for confirmation of such incidents.

Issue 3: education to change behaviour

Better education for people who are in charge of resolving the cases (for example, police, guards). Because many individuals who ask for help are given responses that suggest that sexual harassment is the victim's fault as they were wearing revealing outfits.

I want you to vote for me because:

I believe everyone should have freedom over their life and should have an equal education as well as a right to have their voice heard.

Issue 1: access to education

I would like to address the problems people coming over from war-torn countries have with accessing an education.

Issue 2: housing challenges

I would like to talk about the problems of housing and how we are covering up and knocking down trees and nature to build more houses.

Issue 3: fair support for people coming to live in our country

I want you to vote for me because:

I want to make a difference to all school children in Kent. My ideas are to have free buses, school meals and make curriculum modern.

Issue 1: school issues

I would like to change the types of things running in schools. Firstly, I would like to advocate for Free School Meals and buses, ensuring every kid has the opportunity for transport and food. I would also like to change the curriculum as we can add more valuable subjects to KS3 and KS4.

Issue 2: social media

I would like to educate more people about social media and the psychological risks from it mainly developing mental health problems from it, for example, depression, body dysmorphia, social anxiety and the risks of being addicted to social media which can overall negatively impact your life.

Issue 3: health and safety

I want to ensure the heath and safety of a child is met. Many parents, and children themselves, are concerned about their child, so I want to send out leaflets/assemblies across schools talking about signs and discussing issues a child might have with health issues and the safety of the child.

I want you to vote for me because:

I believe in the power of communication and teamwork I’m dedicated to understanding and making positive changes.

Issue 1: bus passes

I’m campaigning for cheaper, more flexible bus passes that students can use anytime, including weekends and summer. Transport can be fairer by extending the daily use hours and ensuring all young people have better, affordable access to travel.

Issue 2: climate action

As the next generation, climate change affects us the most, I believe Canterbury needs more eco-friendly initiatives, better recycling, and greener spaces. To ensure a healthier future for all.

Issue 3: youth voice in decision-making

Young people deserve to have a say in the decisions that shape their future. I’m campaigning for more opportunities for youth to be involved in local decision-making, ensuring our voices are heard on important issues like education, mental health and community projects.

I want you to vote for me because:

I will act as a mouthpiece to our young people and tackle major issues concerning areas such as preparing for life post 16.

Issue 1: improving our public transport systems

This focuses mainly on buses. I would like to attempt to persuade Stagecoach and other transport companies to provide more buses and more frequent times for popular bus routes to and from school, in order to ensure students can arrive on time each day.

Issue 2: mental health matters - lets help!

Improve the support systems around school and outside of school, to more readily available and be surrounded by less stigma (educate young people about mental health issues so there is less judgement).

Issue 3: building blocks for life

Many young people complain about school not teaching them necessary life skills such as how to do taxes. I would like to provide workshops to teach young people some of these important skills at an affordable price.

I want you to vote for me because:

I am ambitious and passionate about making changes for young people in Kent, so that I have the opportunity to improve Kent.

Issue 1: transport

Work with bus and train companies to make school buses more available and on time.

Issue 2: climate change

To make more bins available to stop littering.

Issue 3: mental health

To make facilities for young people's mental health safer and more private so young people can fell safe talking to professionals without doubts or uncertainty.

I want you to vote for me because:

Re-elect me to Kent Youth County Council to improve safety, expand affordability, opportunities and ensure a brighter, more connected future for Kent youth.

Issue 1: feeling safe in Kent

Feeling safe in Kent is essential for every young person to thrive. I believe in creating safer spaces in our schools, neighborhoods and public areas, where young people feel protected and valued. I will work to ensure that Kent prioritises youth safety, empowering us to live, learn and grow.

Issue 2: implementing improvements to our public transport

Accessible and reliable public transport is crucial for the youth in Kent. I am committed to advocating for more affordable, frequent and safe transport options, ensuring that students and young workers can travel easily to school, work and social activities, fostering independence and opportunity.

Issue 3: youth employment and skills development

I will push for more opportunities in youth employment, apprenticeships and skills development, empowering young people in Kent to build successful careers.

I want you to vote for me because:

I want Canterbury to flourish into a better place by helping the environment, battling discrimination and creating kindness all around.

Issue 1: the environment

I would love to create better recycling ethos and run litter-picking walks. I also aspire to plant trees in the woods of Canterbury to preserve the beautiful wildlife of Canterbury.

Issue 2: discrimination

I want to make sure everyone in Canterbury is happy. Discrimination is sadly affecting too many lives, so I want to make sure that we put an end to it.

Issue 3: supporting small businesses

Canterbury is the home to many small businesses, so I want to make sure that each store gets the recognition they deserve and that hopefully they can become as major as many other successful companies.