The 10 new members of Cornwall Youth Council have outlined their goals for 2024/25 following their election.

The group has committed to making young people feel safer, securing more accessible mental health support, generating fun spaces, and advocating for cheaper cinema tickets.

These initiatives, built on issues that resonate with young people, were identified following a nationwide vote titled 'Make Your Mark'.

This event engaged over 10,000 young participants from six constituencies in Cornwall.

A total of 25 contenders sought election, and those unelected still have the opportunity to join the Youth Council in roles such as peer mentor, deputy, community seat, or the Communications team.

A further two constituency seats in North Cornwall are still up for election.

Potential candidates are advised to visit the council's website for details.

Three of the elected council members have been chosen by their peers to serve as Members of Youth Parliament.

The council is an offshoot of the primary Cornwall Council, established to ensure the concerns of children and young people are heard and given due consideration, as provided under Article 12 of the UNCRC.

Falmouth Packet: Making young people feel safer, improving access to mental health support and more

The new members, distributed across various geographical regions, each have unique objectives.

For instance, Cadan from St Ives aims to "create better access to support in schools for children and young people for mental health and wellbeing", while in Camborne and Redruth, Callum is pushing to "get safe fun places to go for young people where they can have fun, be happy and be able to express themselves".

Elsewhere, Miranda of Truro and Falmouth is championing more affordable recreational facilities such as skate parks and cheaper movies.

Meanwhile, Gabi from Newquay and St Austell keeps a keen focus on youth involvement in decision-making, particularly in school-related matters.

Indigo-Violet from South East Cornwall hopes to "ensure there are safer places for young people to play and more footpaths".

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families at Cornwall Council, said: "It was fantastic to see so many young people voting in the Youth Council Elections, and I was also hugely impressed by the number who put themselves forward to represent other young people in their communities.

"It all goes to show just how passionate and engaged our children and young people are here in Cornwall."