Skip to content

Tunbridge Wells 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 good leadership qualities due to sports I play, cricket, I am in army cadets and scout.s so I know some of the most challenging issues.

Issue 1:  the power of collaboration -  end the deep roots of homelessness

This campaign will support the homeless; we will raise money to fund them. We will also raise a bake sale, a mini marathon (1/3 marathon) and a donation charity to raise money for the homeless. Homelessness has dug roots deep into our world today, the gap between the poor and the rich is widening.

Issue 2: destroy the hackers playbook - enhance cyber security - join us today

We would like to enhance cyber security by brainstorming ideas on how to add the extra layer of security. This is an important issue in the world now and if we enhance the lock on cyber-doors then we will be a good nation altogether for this action. It will lead to more people wanting to work in UK.

Issue 3: generation climate - climate change is happening and it's fast... help us to stop this now

I would like to plant more trees in areas and create sky-gardens to create a "green city" this will make our economic growth boost high because it will be a more frequent tourist attraction so our tourism income will be boosted. Imagine the beauty of the UK skyline once we will address this cause!

I want you to vote for me because:

To improve young people's lives, I plan to expand social and work opportunities, which will help secure the future of younger generations.

Issue 1: improving social opportunities for young people in and around Tunbridge Wells

The scarcity of social activities has caused the popularity of Tunbridge Wells to decline among young people; it contributes to antisocial behaviour. I think that if there are more social hubs for the youth, it will improve all the residents' lives, and cement the future of Tunbridge Wells as a town that is loved by all.

Issue 2: improving the opportunities for jobs and work experience

For many young people, a job is important, especially if you want to go to university or live by yourself. However, getting a job can be difficult. Many require work experience which is hard to find. I would like to support young people to get more work experience/jobs because they are the future.

Issue 3: improving aspects of the public transport for Tunbridge Wells and surrounding settlements

Public transport is problematic. Buses are frequently unreliable and many don't have suitable timings; if they're a few minutes behind, people will be late. There aren't enough buses throughout the day, especially to smaller places, limiting access to social and work opportunities.

I want you to vote for me because:

I’m passionate about youth voices being understood, committed to enhance opportunities, mental health support and local engagement for safer communities.

Issue 1: mental health

My first campaign focuses on mental health, an essential aspect of our overall wellbeing. Mental health influences our emotions, thoughts, and behaviour. This campaign aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and promote open discussions. We will provide valuable resources.

Issue 2: educational development opportunities

My second campaign focuses on educational development opportunities, which are crucial for us as young people. Education opens doors to new knowledge, skills, and experiences that can shape our future. This campaign highlights various educational programs, workshops, and resources for us.

Issue 3: safer communities

My third campaign is about creating safer communities. As young people, we want to make our neighbourhoods safer. This campaign promotes safety awareness, community involvement, and can provide resources on crime prevention. Together, we can build a secure and supportive environment for everyone.

I want you to vote for me because:

For years, I’ve observed life and I’d love for my suggestions to be heard.

Issue 1: other opinions matter

To give others a chance who don’t normally get one.

Issue 2: supplies for school

To get more available school supplies to have in school for students who don’t have them.

Issue 3: crossing off danger

More safe crossing areas for children trying to get to school without the trouble of traffic.

I want you to vote for me because:

I will help young people living in Kent expand their life circles and broaden their horizons.

Issue 1: open some leisure center to offer different activities for young people

Persuade government to allocate enough money for Kent councils to open some leisure centres for young people so that they have more face-to-face interaction rather than just stay at home or their room. Leisure centres will provide video games, board games, parties, indoor sport and outdoor trips.

Issue 2: provide lessons for teaching life skill for young people

Asking charities for donation and recruit some volunteers to help us so that we could open some lessons for young people about different life skill such as cooking, gardening, carpentry, basic electricity, basic plumbing and more.

Issue 3: hold some competitions for young people living in Kent

Asking charities for donation and recruit some volunteers to help us so that we could open some lessons for young people about different life skills, such as, cooking, gardening, carpentry, basic electricity, basic plumbing and more.

I want you to vote for me because:

I intend to use my past experiences of successfully working with school leaders, and my leadership skills to seek solutions to our issues.

Issue 1: improve our mental health by improving the journey to and from school

I propose that there should increase the number of school buses available for students and increase in the number of bus routes that the buses use. I would also like to campaign the for the limitation (or complete ban) of engineering works on the school route during term time.

Issue 2: reduction of the cost of the school uniforms

I would like to reduce the cost of uniforms; particularly the rugby kit and the blazers, as the combination of the cost is over £100. I would like to campaign for ways of reducing the costs, such as seeking ways to produce the items at a cheaper cost but still maintaining the good quality.

Issue 3: reducing the price of secondary school meals

I would like the school meals to be reduced by including drinks into the school "meal deal" systems. I would also like to campaign for the cost of certain foods, like pizza, to be reduced.

I want you to vote for me because:

I want to discuss and debate areas to enhance youth's lives with meaningful conversations, engagement and bring economic opportunities.

Issue 1: education in, poverty out!

Education is a way for individuals to escape poverty. Disruption to education impacts young people's learning, social development, and economic benefits. I will campaign to bring more youths back to schools, vocational and technical education by providing incentives like free school meals and books.

Issue 2: better rides mean better lives

Need to get to school or home safely and fast? My campaign is there so that public transport isn't a burden. I will improve services through discussions with Arriva, launch petitions to increase number of buses during busy school hours and hold companies accountable when their services are delayed.

Issue 3: young people with sound minds is key to a healthy nation

Young people’s wellbeing needs a safe environment. I will urge schools and community centers to participate in this by launching mental health newsletters and “mind sessions” in schools. Additionally, I will encourage one to one drop-in support with anonymous services and better mental health care.

I want you to vote for me because:

I want to increase opportunities for young people in our area. We all matter and deserve an equal chance at a safe and successful future.

Issue 1: neurodiversity awareness, inclusivity and management

I'd like to increase teacher's access to training on neurodiversity in schools. Plus, workshops for neurodiverse young people to help them manage/understand their disability and make friends. It will be open to all young people diagnosed or not as it can take a long time for an assessment.

Issue 2: secondary schools starting later - understanding a teenage circadian clock

To trial secondary schools starting 30 minutes later.The teenage body clock doesn't release melatonin until around 10:30pm due to a circadian clock shift. Evidence shows it could increase the attainment level of student as they would follow their natural REM. Leading to less stress and anxiety for all.

Issue 3: increased free access to youth activities

Tunbridge Wells has limited youth activities which means less physical activity and less socialising, especially for the most vulnerable. I'd like more free activities for the youthful demographic and safe spaces with adults that care and listen to us. I'd like us all to have more opportunities.

I want you to vote for me because:

I believe my voice can help promote opportunities and wellbeing for our community. I especially want to focus on mental health in teens.

Issue 1: mental health

Mental health is an ongoing issue among young people so it is essential to create a safe and positive environment for help to be provided for people who suffer. I would like to create more mental health hubs for people to get help, whether in schools or externally.

Issue 2: providing equal opportunities for all

For this campaign, I would like to establish a balance in the distribution of opportunities we have and promote diversity. This can be through providing skills to people who are less fortunate and creating positive interactions between all groups of children, regardless of race, gender or ability.

Issue 3: healthy eating and exercise inclusion

As a younger generation, more people are exposed to more health issues due to being unaware of the impact eating and exercise has on their lives. For this campaign, I would like create more awareness on this topic and get younger people involved in more exercise and sports.

I want you to vote for me because:

I will hold KCC accountable for their lack of consideration for young people, and help to make your lives safer and more comfortable.

Issue 1: violence against women and girls

It's official. Violence against women and girls in an epidemic. I will campaign for more education in schools surrounding assault and harassment. By engaging with young boys, we can ensure they are probably educated about, for example, what actually constitutes assault and the effects this can have.

Issue 2: more funding for youth programmes

Youth programmes are desperately underfunded. I will campaign for more investment in not just communal and social programmes but also creative, such as musical or arts clubs, encouraging young people to pursue the things they're passionate about.

Issue 3: better access to work experience, thus leaving young people better poised for good careers

High quality work experience placements are often reserved for those with the best connections. By encouraging businesses to offer places via a centralised system, we can ensure that everyone gets the opportunity of high quality work experience placements, regardless of background.

I want you to vote for me because:

Life as a child can be difficult. What we need is someone vocal, strong, and ready for change. What we need is what I can bring to the table.

Issue 1: the problem with littler polluting our public areas and nature

Kent is known as the Garden of England, not rubbish bin. Bins, bin collections, and litter picking tasks needs reinforce in order for us to bring our beautiful landscapes from rubbish to right. We are the only people who can make this right. We need to make a stand now and help restore our gardens.

Issue 2: transport availability and use

As a student, I take buses on a daily basis. I can strongly say when you have thousands of students from 3 to 4 different schools in my area, most buses are full, delayed or cancelled. This needs to stop. As students, we need to get to where we need to go, not waiting at a bus stop after school.

Issue 3: emotional support

Being a student is hard. With a variation of friendship issues and GCSE tests (depends on your age), stress is at large. We need support. We need support away from school because talking to a teacher may not be so comfortable for some of us. If we have external support we will be able to feel better.

I want you to vote for me because:

I want to change schools approach and teach modern societal issues, and I want to increase choice and expand extra programmes for schools.

Issue 1: free expression in schools

Students should be completely able to present how they wish and loosen uniform restrictions, which are archaic and pricey. I want to encourage people to be comfortable and safe wearing cultural or religious clothing, and encourage LGBT people (if they wish) to openly and comfortably wear pin badges.

Issue 2: modernising the system

I will, do as much as i can from my position on the KYCC, to pressure modernising the way we are taught, such as getting new modern books into the English curriculum. I also want to protect and enforce the choice that students have to opt out of aspects of PSHE, as many schools fail to respect this.

Issue 3: programmes

I want to try to get more schools running extracurricular programmes, such as break time clubs, sports clubs, support groups and breakfast clubs for
students who might not be able to get any food in the mornings, and set out a programme which gives certain members of the community free school meals.

I want you to vote for me because:

I want to improve young peoples' lives: enhancing community participation and health and fitness, while reducing exploitation by crime gangs.

Issue 1: young people's civic engagement

Since the pandemic, youth involvement in the Tunbridge Wells community has sharply declined. Organisations like YMCA Tunbridge Wells and the Volunteer Centre have experienced yearly reductions. I aim to raise renewed awareness of these organisations to encourage greater engagement from young people.

Issue 2: fighting county lines exploitation

Kent Police estimate over 70 active county lines operations in Kent, and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council reports a 10% increase in drug-related crimes in 2024. It is my mission to fight the exploitation and abuse of children involved in county lines and gangs throughout Tunbridge Wells and Kent.

Issue 3: empowering youth fitness access

In Tunbridge Wells, the top ten gyms (PureGym, David Lloyd, Nuffield, for example) don’t offer regular access for under 16s, except for occasional programmes under supervision. Many also restrict 16 to 18 year olds. I plan to advocate increased access for young people, across the board.

I want you to vote for me because:

As a young person myself, I want to find a way to create more opportunities and experiences among my age group.

Issue 1: more social opportunities

There is not enough being done to create social opportunities for young people in my area. I would like to help create more spaces for teenagers and young people to interact, boosting positive social behaviour as well as more space for people to meet friends and develop interests.

Issue 2: better transport links

As someone who relies on buses to get to school, there are not enough easily accessible links. People have to take multiple buses or being late because of waiting for buses that come later than they should. I want more direct transport for school children so we don’t miss out on important learning.

Issue 3: more care for the environment

I care about the state of our planet and believe it is important that we take every step possible to make our area greener. I want to organise more litter picking groups, as well as more bins in the street, clearly split into each litter category, so everyone can make a small effort in an easy way.

I want you to vote for me because:

Change is everywhere, at home, at school, but not all change is good. But with me in KYCC it makes sure you get the change and life you need.

Issue 1: life online

More minors and underage people are using social media, it’s dangerous. But with this campaign, I want to make sure everyone is safe online.

Issue 2: mental health

Many people struggle with mental health, there’s the stereotype that mental health teams are untrustworthy, but we need to get rid of that.

Issue 3: life skills

Many complain that schools don’t teach necessary subjects, like finance, but we can change that. My aim is to create easy basic courses for those.

I want you to vote for me because:

I am really passionate about politics, and current issues, particularly inequality, and environmental issues, specifically "fast fashion".

Issue 1: retail waste

I would like to raise awareness about the damage that our consumerism in local shops has on the environment. I want to promote sustainable practices.

Issue 2: safety for women around Tunbridge Wells

I want to make sure that all women around Tunbridge Wells feels safe while out, and not worried about the possibility of being subjected to harassment/abuse.

Issue 3: homelessness around Tunbridge Wells

I want to make sure that everyone has a home.

I want you to vote for me because:

My aim is to increase mental health support, make free third spaces for teens to hang out without needing money, and help the environment.

Issue 1: mental health awareness and support (especially in schools)

In this campaign, I would like to raise awareness to the growing number of teens with mental health problems, and make sure that they can get the support they need. If we can get this support in the place where we spend most of our time, that could make many people's school experience much better.

Issue 2: environment

I would like to reduce our impact on the environment to make our area a better place to live. I think we can do this by doing things such as creating wildlife meadows and reducing litter, which we could do by adding more bins, or adding a system where you can get money if you pick up enough litter.

Issue 3: more (free) third spaces for teenagers

At this age, we need more spaces where we can hang out with our friends for free, without spending money. We already have places like parks and libraries, and if converting a whole building isn't possible, we could start by converting a room or two in another already public place just for teens.