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Gravesham 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:

I have prior experience in representing the views of young people as Head Boy at NSFG and recognise the issues the community suffers from.

Issue 1: Free School Meals

All children, regardless of being 6 or 16, should be allowed to have a meal at lunchtime regardless of financial hardship, I aim to raise funds to allow the financially disadvantaged people in my community and others, to have the opportunity to have a meal at lunchtime.

Issue 2: cost of living crisis and school supplies

The cost of living crisis has resulted in the exponential increase in retail price of everything from clothing to highlighters. Making sure that children can afford essential school supplies is detrimental in making sure they can flourish academically and achieve equal opportunities.

Issue 3: school transport

We can all agree that the most hardship about school we face is actually getting there. Making sure that all children have the resources to make it to school on time and don’t wear themselves out before making it into class. I want to make things like bus passes more accessible.

I want you to vote for me because:

I want to stand for those in my district, to improve our area and establish a better future. I want to represent my community.

Issue 1: mental health

As part of our lives, mental health is a fundamental factor and I would like to shine a spotlight on this. As young people, we need the essential support to help us grow and thrive. Mental health is a vital component of our future and it needs to be addressed.

Issue 2: opportunities for young people in Kent

I want to establish a variety of options for young people to gain experience and knowledge in activities that are fundamental in their future. I would also like to, give individuals a chance to pursue an interest using our platform.

Issue 3: environment

Every year, as a nation, we see an increase in pollution. I want to aid our community to be a part of decreasing our emissions on the planet. I would like to introduce services that promote clean energy and reduce pollution.

I want you to vote for me because:

As a young black girl, I'm driven for change. My desire and passion will ensure all youth voices are heard! #votefordarasimi

Issue 1: encouraging black excellence

Encouraging black excellence through education is crucial for creating a society that celebrates diversity amongst all individuals. My journey began as the only black girl in my class, driving my passion for change, I envision a space where we can utilise individuality to create a stronger community!

Issue 2: mental health within young people

I want to advocate for the mental health of young people who may feel overlooked and overwhelmed by exams, for example. I believe it's essential to listen to them and create a safe environment where they can feel comfortable and confident within themselves, I want to be the voice for those who feel unheard!

Issue 3: public transport

Living in Kent, you learn just how hard it is to get around with public transport. It’s often unreliable, leading to issues with punctuality and daily inconveniences. I’m determined to make our voices heard, starting with small changes like improving transportation. The youth deserves better!

I want you to vote for me because:

I'm passionate about empowering young people with mental health support, better opportunities and resources focused on my Muslim community.

Issue 1: focus on the Muslim community in Gravesham

As a Kent Youth County Council candidate, I want to support the Muslim community by promoting faith-based programs and interfaith events. I’ll focus on creating Islamic resources and connecting the Islamic community with the rest through activities that foster understanding.

Issue 2: mental health support

I would add additional emphasis on the attention to mental health for young people in Gravesham. This will include young-friendly resources with immediate access, school-based mental health programmes and peer support networks. The stigma around mental wellbeing will empower young people to thrive.

Issue 3: better opportunities

By, campaigning for better opportunities for young people; I will push for stronger partnerships with local businesses, increased access to specialist skills development and resources for young individuals to reach their aspirations with greater ease.

I want you to vote for me because:

I’m a passionate member of my community whose goal is to compromise to create an enjoyable environment for all.

Issue 1: inclusion and diversity

I want to see and help to build an environment that educates the youth properly on cultural awareness, amplifies underrepresented voices, and fosters meaningful dialogue. Through workshops, events and open forums, we can build a more empathetic, inclusive and supportive community for all.

Issue 2: youth employment opportunities

I wish to launch a youth employment campaign focused on providing job skills training, mentorship and access to internships. By partnering with local businesses and organisations, we can empower young people with the tools they need to succeed and secure meaningful careers.

Issue 3: better academic direction for students

I want to create a campaign for better academic direction by offering personalised guidance, career counselling, trips and mentorship programmes. By helping students explore our strengths and future paths, we can ensure we make informed decisions that align with our passions and goals.

I want you to vote for me because:

I would like to be able to help make Gravesham a better place to live in for everyone. No matter the age, gender, ethnicity.

Issue 1: help make Gravesham a cleaner and safer place to live in

Some of my ideas are, to make Gravesham a cleaner place I would like to start a litter picking committee so that people can volunteer to go around communal areas picking litter. And to make Gravesham a safer place, by adding more CCTV cameras spread out and adding more lighting in popular areas.

Issue 2: to make a better community for the LGBTQ+

I would like to do this by making organizations where people from the LGBTQ+ can go and talk and make friends that have similar experiences as well as being able to express their true self without the fear of homophobic comments.

Issue 3: to make more visible and invisible disability awareness

Once a year or maybe more, I would like there to be a disability day, not just in school but also in work places, where everyone can learn about different disabilities so that more people are aware what others have to go through sometimes on a regular basis.

I want you to vote for me because:

I am a passionate young person who strives for success. Passionate about mental health and I was elected before for 2 years. Vote for me.

Issue 1: mental health

I would like to continue with my mental health blog/vlog. And still continue to raise awareness and bring more resources towards young people to support them through there journey. Help them towards success.

Issue 2: bullying

I believe that bullying is a massive term, as it happens everywhere and also a root that brings people to suffer from poor mental health which then is something that I have also been working with due to my mental health blog/vlog.

Issue 3: racism

As in schools racism is also a massive thing as if can cause others to drive away from their own religion and cause chaos within family roots and also within their health. So, to show to be proud of who you are.

I want you to vote for me because:

I strive for young people to have courage to use their voices for the better. Let’s work together as a area to help bring about good changes.

Issue 1: more places for youth

More places for leisure for kids to hang out and socialize instead of being stuck at home.

Issue 2: mental health and wellbeing

Create peer support networks in schools where youth can seek advice and emotional support. Mental health matters.

Issue 3: future leaders

Equip young people with leadership and professional skills. Programmes where older youth guides younger youth mentorship.

I want you to vote for me because:

I’m driven to make our community better. I’ll amplify the voice of young people and deliver. Don’t just hope for change… vote for it!

Issue 1: stronger minds, brighter futures

Mental. Health. Matters! Yet it’s so hard to find effective advice. I’ll push for better mental health and neurodivergent support in schools, with resources for all young people - diagnosed or not. Together, we can break the stigma and build a more supportive, healthier environment for everyone!

Issue 2: students in charge - shaping our education

Students should have a say in shaping their education. Our opinions are constantly disregarded, with no opportunity to give our input. I’ll push for student representation on school boards and decision-making bodies, so we can directly influence the policies that affect us.

Issue 3: revive our spaces: clean up our community!

Young people need places to call their own. I’ll campaign for cleaner, safer public spaces where we can hang out and connect. By working with the local community and volunteers, I’ll push for areas dedicated to us, free of litter and designed for our needs. Let’s reclaim and improve our spaces!

I want you to vote for me because:

I am committed to making Kent a better place for people to thrive. I believe Kent’s young people have untapped potential I can help to show.

Issue 1: extra-curricular activities for young people to discover their passions

I’d create avenues for hobbies and activities for young people to have community and friendships in Gravesham. This will allow them to build skills/abilities that will be beneficial for jobs, social life and education. Additionally, it opens up many new opportunities for all who are passionate.

Issue 2: greater care and preservation efforts for the environment around us

Kent is known as the garden of England and should be preserved and developed to become more eco-friendly and sustainable. I’d achieve this by creating gardening workshops and raising awareness in schools. I’d also run events to raise money for charities that help our natural world.

Issue 3: using technology to make healthcare more accessible and convenient

Gravesham consistently had the poorest experience of contacting their local GP practice in 2022, with an estimated 44.6% not using the NHS app to interact with their GP. I’d run an awareness drive on the benefits of using the NHS app and IT to access healthcare.

I want you to vote for me because:

I want to be a voice for young people, ensuring mental health support, quality education and equal opportunities for all.

Issue 1: improving mental health support for young people

I will advocate for more accessible mental health resources in schools and communities, ensuring that young people have the support they need to thrive emotionally and mentally.

Issue 2: access to quality education for all

I aim to improve educational resources and opportunities working with schools, focusing on access to tutoring, learning tools, and mentorship for students from all backgrounds.

Issue 3: fighting youth unemployment

I will work towards creating awareness about more job training programmes, internships and employment opportunities for young people, helping them build strong career foundations.