Hi my name is Beth Kilgallon or as the youth cabinet call me, the Dobble champion. I am 17 and the new deputy Member of UK Youth Parliament (MYP) for Heywood and Middleton. I applied to be MYP in March 2022 as I was really interested in making a difference to young people's lives. Unfortunately I wasn't elected, but still attended the youth cabinet meetings. I recently got elected as deputy MYP as the former deputy stepped down due to personal circumstances. My campaign points are homelessness, mental health and after school activities. I am passionate about helping my community and strive to make a positive difference.
I chose mental health as a campaign point because it is something very close to home for me as one of my family members really struggled with his mental health, but we stood by him and fought and now he's better. I also struggle with my anxiety and confidence but am trying to change that by doing big events and public speaking. I want to help young people and show them that they are not alone and help them find the information they need to get help.
Secondly, I chose homelessness because youth homelessness is a growing problem in the UK, with an estimated 103,000 young people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness each year. This issue is particularly concerning given the negative impact that homelessness can have on young people's physical and mental health, education, employment prospects, and overall well being.
Lastly I choose after school activities as growing up I didn't have many friends and never really went out. I was always stuck in my room watching TV or on my phone just wasting my time and then I met Rochdale Youth Service, the organisation that works to meet the needs of young people and since meeting them I've been involved in so much I've helped host big events, I've took part in workshops and even became the deputy MYP for Heywood and Middleton. What I'm trying to say is participating in more after school activities can have numerous positive effects on young people, including physical, emotional, and social benefits. Whether it's joining a sports team, volunteering in the community, or pursuing a hobby, engaging in activities can help young people to develop important skills, build friendships and improve their overall well being.
My Hobbies include volunteering in my local community and going out with my mates. I am part of the Darnhill festival association where we plan and organise Darnhill festival. I also work part time at pets at home.
Since being involved with the youth cabinet I have been to London, helped host big events such as Children's Champion elections results and Rochdale Borough Mayor's Youth Awards and participated in activities. I look forward to working with Emilia, the democratically elected MYP for Heywood and Middleton on our campaign points and making a difference.