A York teenager has said he wants to break down barriers facing young people after getting elected to a national role.
Harrison Buckley, 18, has been elected to the leadership body of the UK Youth Council which aims to shape the decisions which affect young people’s lives.
Mr Buckley said he cared deeply about creating real opportunities for young people.
It follows the creation of the executive board, made up of 19 members aged 16 to 25, which has been set up to lead the Youth Council.
The National Youth Agency, which is supporting the body, stated the executive board would give young people a voice and influence on decision-making at local, regional and national levels.
It is also set to coordinate action across the youth sector and provide a platform for local voices to foster change from the grassroots.
The body was elected by and will represent the membership of the Youth Council which is made up of more than 200 organisations working with an estimated 7.8m young people.
Initial priorities are now set to be agreed by the executive body.
Its members will serve a two-year term, with the next elections scheduled for 2028.
The Youth Council covers the UK, along with Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories.
Mr Harrison said he was narrowing the gap between regions and making opportunity fair and not dependant on where someone comes from.
The 18-year-old said: “I care deeply about creating real opportunities for young people, wherever they live across the UK or overseas.
“My priority is to break down the barriers that hold people back, especially financial struggles, so that everyone can access education, enrichment, and the chances they deserve.”
