Youngsters set out their priorities

It follows a ballot held by Blackpool Youth Voice as part of the national Make Your Mark campaign.

Between August 12 and October 7, 5,647 young people in the resort cast their votes on a list of 10 priorities, a turnout of 41 per cent.

Jake Adams, chairman of Blackpool Youth Voice, said: “Once again thank you so much for everyone’s contribution to Make Your Mark 2016.

“Every single one of you should be so proud of the difference we’re making in Blackpool and it’s now time for people to start making young people a priority in this town.

“We are looking forward to working with communities in the town to make a difference to young people’s lives and the youth summit is just the start of the plans Blackpool Youth Voice have.

“We would like to thank all the schools, colleges and youth groups that took part in the campaign and say a huge thank you to all the young people who voted.

“Let your voice be heard.”

On this year’s ballot paper there were 10 key issues for young people to vote on: votes at 16; a curriculum to prepare them for life; first aid education for all young people; mental health; transport; stop cuts that affect the NHS; body image; fund our youth services don’t cut them; raising awareness of sexual harassment in schools and tackling racism.

The top issue Blackpool young people voted for was curriculum for life and to overhaul they way citizenship education is taught in schools, with 798 votes (14.13 per cent of the total vote).

Second was to stop NHS cuts, with 759 votes (13.44 per cent), and third was to improve mental health education with 598 votes (10.59 per cent).

To find out more about Blackpool Youth Voice contact [email protected], go to www.blackpoolyouthvoice.co.uk or ring (01253) 344398.