Hi I’m Ryan Grimes, I’m 16 years old and once again I need your vote. Halton has been ensuring that young people are listened to for almost 4 years now and only a very few select people are left who have been involved since the very start, me luckily being one of them. I hope to you this shows how committed I am. Although you may say that no changes have happened, I promise that unbelievable changes have happened, changes that you wouldn’t even think of.
Just under four years ago Halton had never once listened to a single young person, yet now through the work I and others have done every single decision the council makes young people must be consulted if it affects them. Even though you may not know me I can promise you that in some way another I will have helped to benefit your life, weather it is through the funding from Halton Youth Bank or maybe a decision that the council has made which I have helped them to ensure it is completely young people friendly, I promise you that you will of benefitted.
Also each week I have dedicated up to 30 hours work to ensure that our opinions are not just tossed aside, many people will have got bored by now however I know I still have so much more to give and am not ready to give up. The opportunities that are available to young people are now unlimited, in this last year every service that works with young people has signed up to the “Hear by rights chartered standards”; these standards have ensured the future is bright for young people and we are now given not the opportunity but the option of broadcasting our opinions through this.
Since beginning my work it has become more and more recognised by many, so far to the extent I am now asked upon to work or give opinion on anything affecting young people. I have also been involved or been asked to lead projects not only locally but nationally. Due to my work being recognised people have also asked me to inspect, monitor and evaluate there services. If I have been given these opportunities does that not show to you that people know that I know what I am talking about?
Everything begins as a dream yet a certain few act on these dreams and make them real life, but to accomplish anything you must have experience and to me I am not only a dreamer but also experienced, vote for me as I am not ready give up, and deep down I want you to see changes that I have seen, but only your vote for me can make this happen.