The Youth Cabinet of Bury Council was scheduled to consider a range of youth-focused issues, including updates from the police and youth parliament, and a debate on the impact of social media on children. The meeting was also scheduled to discuss health priorities identified by young people and the future of the Youth Parliament.

Police Update

The Youth Cabinet was scheduled to receive an update from Greater Manchester Police. At a previous meeting, members had identified priorities for the police, including addressing shops selling vapes to underage children and tackling households where neglect may go unnoticed. Concerns were also scheduled to be raised about bullying, harassment, and hate crime, with members noting that young people sometimes felt their complaints were not taken as seriously as those made by adults.

Youth Led Health Discussion

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to a youth-led discussion on health priorities. This was to include considerations of access to mental health services, healthy weight management, and the challenges of accessing NHS dental services. Members were also scheduled to discuss the affordability of local gyms and leisure facilities. At a previous meeting, it was noted that access to NHS dentistry is a national issue, and that operating leisure facilities is costly.

Future of Youth Parliament

The Youth Cabinet was scheduled to discuss the future of the Youth Parliament. This was to include updates on recent activities, such as a residential event where members discussed issues affecting young people, including media literacy and political education. Campaign proposals were to be developed, with a focus on lobbying for a united commitment to tackling hate crime, preparing young people for life, and universal mental health support in educational settings. Discussions were also scheduled regarding employment opportunities and work experience for young people.

Changemakers Update

An update was scheduled from the Changemakers group, focusing on their work in developing accessible resources for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including an Easy Read version of the Short Break Duty Statement and explanatory videos. They were also scheduled to provide information on their work with SEND officers and participation in SEND reform meetings.

The Big Debate: Does Social Media Bans Protect Children?

The Youth Cabinet was scheduled to hold a debate on the topic: Does social media bans protect children?. This debate was carried forward from a previous meeting.

Members of Youth Parliament Update

Representatives from the Youth Parliament were scheduled to provide an update on their recent activities. This was to include discussions on media literacy and political education, and the development of campaign proposals. They were also scheduled to report on discussions with North West Youth Parliament members regarding employment opportunities and work experience for young people.

Motion to Council

The Youth Cabinet was scheduled to consider a motion to be presented to the full Council.

Urgent Business

Any urgent business was scheduled to be addressed.