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Maidstone 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 am a confident speaker. I would fairly represent young people around Maidstone, proudly campaigning for issues impacting their wellbeing.

Issue 1: accessible food banks for children and young people

Food bank charities like MADM (Making a Difference to Maidstone) should offer walk-in services so children and young people should not be afraid to ask for help in dire situations. Children and young people should not have to go hungry
and wait for a referral to a help providing service.

Issue 2: make Maidstone safer for children and young people

I believe some children and young people might not feel completely safe around Maidstone. I would like to campaign for increased community safety presence around town centre and the High Street.

Issue 3: increasing awareness about mental health services for children and young people

I would like to campaign for accessible/non-referred walk-in mental health clinics in areas like town centre and housing estates. I believe this could benefit children and young people around Maidstone so they could talk to a doctor if they were in crisis and needed help urgently.

I want you to vote for me because:

I’ve spent a year in Kent Youth County Council and loved working in the Kent community and helping run events and projects. I’d love to carry on in the new year.

Issue 1: LGBTQ+ inclusion in Kent

As an out-of-the-closet member of the LGBTQ+ community for 4 years now, I believe we should work towards eradicating any remaining stigma in Kent against LGBTQ+ young people, which I have found is unfortunately still present around young people and in school environments.

Issue 2: disability provisions in schools

Being autistic and having a physical disability, whilst I’ve found my own school to be very supportive, others have varying experiences in theirs. I think Kent’s schools still need to improve on working with SEND young people. I’ve previously spoken on this issue with the Department for Education.

Issue 3: mental health in schools

Young people in my area have mentioned issues in schools to do with pastoral and mental health care. Having previously worked with the Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Campaign Group in Kent Youth County Council, I’m committed to striving to better help student and schools.

I want you to vote for me because:

I would like to help young people that experience different issues within schools, such as bullying and racism.

Issue 1: More opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

I would like to campaign for young people that have SEND to have more support, for example, more 1 to 1's with professionals and opportunities to play games and have fun.

Issue 2: more anti-bullying education within schools

No young person should be bullied within schools. I would make sure that anti-bullying education is put into all schools.

Issue 3: stop racism - more education about racism within schools

No young person should be discriminated against. I would make sure that there is more education about racism in schools.

I want you to vote for me because:

Hi I’m Elani! I believe that every voice is important, everyone deserves equality and that everyone has the opportunity to become better!

Issue 1: prioritising mental health

Mental health should never take a backseat! I believe in creating more accessible support services in schools and communities, so every young person feels heard and supported (exactly how the mental health project group has been doing for ages!). I’d aim to help and support the young people in need.

Issue 2: action starts with us

The future belongs to us. We deserve a clean, sustainable world. Let’s lead the charge in reducing our carbon footprint by more eco-friendly initiatives, and educating others on how to make small changes that have a big impact. Let’s make Kent a greener brighter place.

Issue 3: let's get heard!

Our generation has the power to shape tomorrow we need to be part of the conversation today. As ex-Chair for Opportunities, I will advocate for more opportunities for young people to participate in local decision-making ensuring that our ideas and perspectives influence the changes we want to see.

I want you to vote for me because:

I'm sure we've all witnessed some unpleasant acts on public transport, including trains and buses. Last year, I was able to help and want to do more.

Issue 1: mental health

I would like to make sure that all the young voices of Maidstone are heard and are able to talk about their feelings and thoughts. At the moment, main factors of stress and low mental health states are school, fake friends and stress in general. I'd be honoured if I'll be able to help all of you!

Issue 2: public transport

As I'd mentioned, in the previous year I was able to help with train safety. I can guarantee you if I'm elected again I'll help you even more with other forms of public transport. We've all witnessed at least one or two strange acts on transport whether that's on a bus, train, coach. Allow me to help!

Issue 3: opportunities

Another thing I managed to help with in the previous year was opportunities for young people. We made a presentation on how to speak more confidently like us and allow your voices to be heard like you'd want. There's other things in the opportunity department, like photography and sign language.

I want you to vote for me because:

I think you should vote for me because I stand against racism and discrimination against the LGBTQIA + community and SEND.

Issue 1: SEND/special educational needs in mainstream school

I planned to help people with special educational needs in mainstream education.

Issue 2: making people aware about the LGBTQIA+ community

To make people more aware about the LGBTQIA+ community to help against there is a discrimination.

Issue 3: to stand against racism

I want to stand against racism in to hopefully provide a better working space for the students at school.

I want you to vote for me because:

I'm already a committed representative for our local area, and I will deliver. No matter your issue, I will see it fixed as soon as possible.

Issue 1: better transport

If you vote for me, I'll continue my ruthless campaign to improve transport services in Kent. This could take many forms, whether it be a lower price for the Kent Travel Saver, free bus/train travel for under 18s, increased bus services for rural areas, or something groundbreaking we can't envisage yet.

Issue 2: better policing

If you vote for me, I will work with local police forces to ensure that young people are treated with the respect they deserve. I'll also ensure that our local area is one that is safe, welcoming, and open to all, with key safety priorities like improving public spaces high on my agenda.

Issue 3: better democracy

As a firm believer in the democratic process, I will work day-in and day-out to ensure that no matter who you are, you feel both adequately represented adequately and educated about British politics. I will work to ensure all schools participate in youth voice, and I aim to better PSHE resources.

I want you to vote for me because:

Independence. That’s what we want, that's what we deserve. I will protect and fight for this essential, placing it central to all that I do.

Issue 1: the freedom to use bus passes on weekends

A KCC bus pass costs £550 a year. This is an extortionate amount of money, a cost beyond the quality of services. To reduce our liberty even further, we do not have the power to use the pass during weekends. I will lobby against this; we should have the ability to go where we like, when we like.

Issue 2: resistance to oppressive mobile phone bans from schools

Absolutist phone bans in schools are illogical - they ignore society today and fail to recognise the benefits of such tools. This topic that I debated in the Battle of Ideas Festival 2024, is highly important to me - we cannot (and I will not) sit by and watch an erosion of our academic freedom.

Issue 3: building our own sociable spaces

Parks are insufficient for our use. By the very nature of them, we feel intruders in a younger area. We need designated seating facilities - built in circles or squares to accommodate group interaction. I will promote the development of such features, so we can feel comfortable in our own space.

I want you to vote for me because:

I am passionate about diversity and being a pupil voice, listening to others and acting on issues that make everyone feel equal.

Issue 1: diversity in schools

I would like to arrange events to raise money for local charities and schools that supports diversity and makes all young people feel included. I would like to be the pupil voice for everyone, including those who cannot speak for themselves or represent themselves in the most positive way.

Issue 2: the environment

I would like to raise awareness of issues around the environment and climate change in schools and among young people. I would like to set up a local 'litter drive' to get everyone involved in reducing litter around the local area

Issue 3: supporting emergency responders

I would like to arrange fundraising events and raise awareness of our emergency responders and the hard work they do every day to educate and keep young people safe.

I want you to vote for me because:

I have had an interest in politics for a long time and Kent Youth County Council is a good opportunity for me to use my skills like public speaking/debating.

Issue 1: public transport reform

I have used public transport to commute to school for the past 5 years. I am aware that many people struggle with paying train/bus fares, and I want to introduce a method for students to access cheaper public transport.

Issue 2: more Free School Meals

Just over 16% of students in the south east from primary school upwards are eligible for free school meals. I believe that more people should be able to have access to this as it is of key importance that children in low-income families have the right to food.

Issue 3: students' rights

I believe that students should be able to have a voice in school and be able to carry a further degree of power - this could include student petitions to teachers for example.

I want you to vote for me because:

Let’s team up to make school the ultimate place for everyone! I want every student to have the tools to succeed and have a blast doing it!

Issue 1: inclusion revolution - change the game

I will advocate for tailored support and inclusive extracurricular programmes for disabled students, ensuring equal access to education and opportunities. This includes implementing adaptive teaching methods, providing assistive technology, and creating welcoming environments for sports and clubs.

Issue 2: instant support, lasting change

It’s outrageous that students are stuck waiting for months to see a counsellor! We must ensure immediate access to mental health support in schools. Everyone deserves to feel heard and supported without the frustration of endless delays. Let’s make mental health care as easy as asking for help!

Issue 3: unlock your future - real pathways for everyone

Students shouldn’t feel lost about their futures! We need to open doors to real-world experiences and mentorship in schools. Let’s bring in guest speakers, workshops and internships to help everyone find their passion and purpose. It’s time to gear up for success beyond the classroom!

I want you to vote for me because:

Vote for me because I am disciplined and driven, as shown through my dedication to kickboxing. I will fight for the future you deserve.

Issue 1: mental health

We’ve all been there, exam season hits and the pressure can feel overwhelming. Whether it's the fear of failure, staying up late revising and cramming or just feeling completely stressed out, our mental health often takes a back seat. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Issue 2: Free School Meals

Not every family can afford lunch every day, especially with recent inflation of prices which also effects pricing of school meals. Free school meals level the playing field so no one has to stay hungry in school. Every student, regardless of their financial situation should have a nutritious meal.

Issue 3: culture appreciation

Our schools are a vibrant mix of students from different cultural backgrounds, each with unique stories, traditions, and perspectives. Every school should be able to celebrate their students’ cultures, for example, a multicultural festival. We should build a community where every student feels appreciated.