Concept could encourage ‘Young Ambassadors’ for MEA

Members of the local authority’s Community Planning Committee last week agreed an officer recommendation to progress such an initiative by establishing a steering group.

They had earlier been told by Council’s Director of Organisation Development and Community Planning Karen Hargan that the idea had come from a young female resident in the borough and was “at a very early stage” in its development.

The initiative would see Council engaging on a 12-month programme with a number of young people with the aim of providing a more detailed understanding of Council functions and to help them understand how Council brings about change and improvements in their communities.

The Committee also learned that Mid & East Antrim Council would lead the initiative through its Good Relations Programme and Democratic Services.

The report presented to members also stated that the initiative would “allow Council to be seen as true civic leaders by promoting a project whereby it is encouraging young people to be involved with local democracy and civic leadership in the borough”.

The proposal to approve the establishment of ‘Young Ambassadors’, which was made by Cllr Beth Adger, seconded by Cr Timothy Gaston, will be subject to ratification by the next full Council meeting in September.