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Tonbridge and Malling 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 want young people to feel safe and be encouraged to voice their problems at school. I want us all to feel comfortable to ask for help.

Issue 1: understanding the mental health of teenagers and adolescents

Would propose a campaign where we work with Kent schools to spot mental health issues early by providing anonymous surveying to younger year groups that allows them to voice there own challenges and struggle this will help to inform pastoral staff how to best meet students needs.

Issue 2: understanding different culture

My school participates in a yearly culture day I would organise across other Kent schools were students are able to represent their culture through clothing, food, dance and so on, by better understanding others cultures we can help battle ignorance whilst allowing students to express their culture.

Issue 3: fostering healthy relationships with food

Many young people struggle to maintain a healthy, balanced diet as school canteens offer limited healthy options. I would create a campaign funded by school PTAs which provide free or reduced fresh fruit that students can pick up during the day.

I want you to vote for me because:

I want to use my previous experience to continue advocating for young people, and improving their experience of living in Kent.

Issue 1: feeling safer whilst out and about

I would like to continue my work on bringing the 'Ask for Angela' scheme to Kent. This allows for people to get away from unsafe situations, as well as access support from trained staff.

Issue 2: improving public transport links

I would like to increase the frequency of public transport routes in isolated areas/areas that have become isolated due to the lack of accessible public transport.

Issue 3: improve school accessibility

I would like to make education in secondary schools more accessible to a wider range of young people, so that they can learn vital skills without any barriers.

I want you to vote for me because:

I am passionate about the campaigns listed below. I am hardworking, focused and determined to bring these important issues to the public.

Issue 1: healthier eating in schools

I would like to promote eating more seasonal food and vegetables in schools, as I believe that we are readily eating more processed foods everyday, which affects our health and wellbeing. I propose trips to local farms which would educate children how our fresh produce is grown and harvested.

Issue 2: Introducing orchestral music to primary school children

I would like to perform orchestral music to primary school children to show them the wonders of playing in a musical ensemble. It teaches younger students to work together to perform music and it helps them to connect with new people. This could inspire them to learn an instrument in the future.

Issue 3: helping children overcome anxiety and depression

I would like to help kids who suffer from anxiety and depression to become more confident. I believe that sometimes it is easier for those children to talk to other kids instead of adults. I will do this by setting up group sessions that are run by older children that are interested in the topic.

I want you to vote for me because:

I stand for improved public transport, affordable school food, and will ensure our voices are heard on important issues in Kent.

Issue 1: improve public transport

Improve public transport by increasing the frequency of trains and buses at the start and end of the school day, as well as liaising with train providers to improve punctuality of trains. I propose that all Strood trains terminate in Tonbridge again.

Issue 2: lower the cost of school food

Work with providers to place a fair cap on the price of school meals to stop the ongoing inflation affecting school food. Encourage catering companies to do ‘meal deals’ where a combination of food will be available at a fair price.

Issue 3: promote usage of green energy across Kent

As part of my environmental plan, I would like to support incentives for more clean and green energy including solar panels on schools and public buildings, more electric car charging points and other initiatives.

I want you to vote for me because:

Being neurodiverse and mixed race, I want to represent those with multiple minority identities who can feel out of place in their daily life.

Issue 1: invisible differences

I would like to raise awareness about young people with disabilities that are often overlooked (such as neurodivergence and neurological disorders) who are seen as functioning 'normally' when they struggle with everyday activities by getting regular funding for in depth charity workshops in schools.

Issue 2: visible differences

I would like to raise awareness about subtle racism, which I find is a heavily neglected topic, and educate people on the slight discrimination which many might consider not to be offensive or 'a joke' when it can be harmful and frustrating to hear to those that it is directed to.

Issue 3: student research

I would like to give a voice to students' views by forming a Kent-wide network of student researchers who collect and analyse data within their schools and use it to help people who find it difficult to voice their concerns. The researchers can also be supported by academics who are happy to assist.

I want you to vote for me because:

I want to make sure that peoples voices are heard especially in settings like schools, when it comes to issues like SEN needs.

Issue 1: improving SEN awareness and help in school

I would like to spread awareness about educational needs in schools. This is as in some areas people’s needs aren’t being supported or heard. This is important as everyone should be able to have the right needs for them and everyone’s voices should be heard.

Issue 2: improving transport to school

Help make sure that people have access to the correct transportation, as I know many people who haven’t been able to attend after school clubs or revision sessions due to not being to get home, or people getting home late because their bus is full. So this should be sorted.

Issue 3: improving people's knowledge of mental health

Mental health is important to everyone. But sometimes people don’t know what to do to help or support people. I would like to help inform people about this as everyone deserves help.

I want you to vote for me because:

I will listen to what matters most to you (young people) and work hard to deliver for you.

Issue 1: healthy meals for students in schools

I will campaign for partnering with local farms and suppliers for sourcing fresh produce, implement a pierced pricing system in schools for students with different financial capabilities, encourage schools to establish own gardens and produce leaflets on balance diet, and campaign for donations.

Issue 2: safety and sanitation on public transport for students

I will campaign for enhanced safety measures such as security cameras, regular deep cleaning and sanitation of seats, handrails and windows, provide buses and public transport systems with air filters and ventilation systems to improve air quality and all drivers to get life saving training.

Issue 3: students wellbeing - healthy, happy and fulfilled in schools

I  will campaign for students health and mental wellbeing by encouraging schools to establish peer support program, produce awareness leaflets,
arrange healthy walks and sporting events at schools and provide yoga and mindfulness sessions.

I want you to vote for me because:

I wish to make Kent a place where your voice is heard and acted upon. I hope to make equal opportunities for everyone in the Kent community.

Issue 1: social media and online safety

As technologies advance, it is important that we are aware of it's advantage as well as it's risks. I would like to make sure that everyone is well informed about the right use cases and how to avoid scarring or life-changing circumstance and influencing policy changes for social media companies.

Issue 2: under-age vaping, smoking and drug addiction

Between 2019 and 2024, the number of underaged vapers has doubled. Brands making the vapes brighter and cheaper, intend on widening their market by attracting a much younger audience. I want to make sure everyone understands the severe consequences of lost opportunities and body and mental health.

Issue 3: youth unemployment and educational disparities

As there are many differences in the level of education that one receives in Kent, I will support tutoring, funding and job training to close the gap of educational disparities. This will also help avoid youth unemployment, the cycle of poverty and good mental health leading to a brighter future.

I want you to vote for me because:

I believe in getting voices heard, in growing a sense of community among young people and spreading positive change throughout the county.

Issue 1: environmental change

I would work towards positive change in the environment, on emissions and in wild spaces.

Issue 2: building community

I would work hard and with a strong attitude towards improving the sense of community within Kent.

Issue 3: improving leisure spaces

I believe that people should be able to go for a walk in a local park, or to go to the gym.

I want you to vote for me because:

As a member for 2 years, I am a dedicated leader, passionate about diversity and inclusivity, and determined to give those unheard a voice.

Issue 1: diversity and inclusivity

As Chair of the Tackling Discrimination project, I raise awareness of and appreciate the differences in this region, from culture, religion, sexuality to ability, allowing communities to thrive. By organising events and creating podcasts, I help remove societal bias so young people are confident.

Issue 2: artificial intelligence (AI)

I advocate for equality and accessibility in AI. From running school-wide research projects to increase free AI education, to creating county-wide webinars, I am dedicated to creating greater awareness around bias in AI, and aim to encourage AI literacy to promote ethical use amidst its popular use.

Issue 3:  gender equality

I would like to raise awareness of how patriarchal norms in our society, in the education system and treatment of various people, affect the youth population and sending out surveys to learn more about impacts and ideas of such norms. A podcast discussing any inequality issues may be quite popular.

I want you to vote for me because:

I would like to better the community, by using my experience as a neurodivergent to benefit others. I’ll advocate for equal rights, anti-discrimination, and mental health support for all.

Issue 1: equality, inclusion and mental wellbeing

From my personal experiences, I understand the challenges neurodiverse children face both academically and socially. I aim to advocate for practical strategies that create inclusive environments where these children can thrive. This includes tailored educational approaches, and flexible learning.

Issue 2: destigmatising children’s mental Health

I aim to destigmatise discussions around children’s mental health, ensuring no child feels isolated or unsupported. By advocating for stronger mental health policies, raising public awareness, and driving change, I want to ensure that children’s mental health is treated with the right care.

Issue 3: standing up against discrimination

I want to highlight the vital importance of equal rights for everyone, whether in education or at home. My goal is to foster environments where inclusivity is the norm and every individual, regardless of their background, is treated with fairness and respect.

I want you to vote for me because:

As a passionate advocate for youth voice and equality, A vote for me is a vote for equality, to make your life easier. I will work for you.

Issue 1: promoting neurodiversity awareness

Being severely underrepresented, over 1 in 100 people have autism in the UK. The daily struggle and pain that people face is daunting. I want to tackle the lack of awareness in school, starting to create an environment where neurodiverse people can thrive and everyone is able to support them.

Issue 2: power against plastic!

Plastic is overused. Plastic can kill innocent animals. The environment is one of the biggest things in our lives, and plastic is holding it back from its true potential and magic. So, if I get in, I will try to fix this underlying problem to release the beauty of nature.

Issue 3: making bus use easier for young people

For some young people, taking the bus can be very scary, the noise, the crowds and so much more can feel immensely overwhelming. Everything piling on to make the bus unbearable. I am here to help with that and help make the bus more bearable and hopefully fun!