The event marked an energising start to their tenure, giving members, elected by their schools and colleges, the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and begin shaping the priorities that will guide their work over the next two years.
After a day of discussion and collaboration, HYP – which is supported and facilitated by Hampshire County Council – confirmed four key issues that will lead its campaigning and project work:
- Period Poverty – tackling inequality in access to menstrual products
- Crime & Safety – addressing anti-social behaviour and promoting safer communities
- Cost of Living – ensuring young people’s voices are heard in conversations about financial pressures
- Misogyny – challenging gender-based discrimination and promoting respect.
Welcoming the new representatives, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services Councillor Roz Chadd said: “We are incredibly proud of the young people who have stepped forward to shape the new Hampshire Youth Parliament. Their passion, energy and commitment to making a difference is truly inspiring, and we look forward to working alongside them as they champion the issues that matter most to young people across our county.”
During the launch event, HYP also elected its new national Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs), who will represent Hampshire in the UK Youth Parliament programme for the coming term.
They are:
- Myla (aged 13, Brighton Hill Community School) is beginning her second term in HYP, aiming to use her Youth Councillor experience to champion environmental protection and a safer, fairer society for young people.
- Jevan (aged 13, Meoncross School) brings school council experience to his MYP role and will campaign for more youth centres and safe spaces to help reduce antisocial behaviour.
- Bonnie (aged 15, Boundary Oak School) is committed to tackling misogyny and period poverty, planning to deliver workshops on equality and ensure access to free period products while raising awareness and reducing stigma.
- Ed (aged 16, Bedales School) enters his second term as MYP focused on calm, constructive youth politics, advocating for stronger education and campaigning against antisemitism while ensuring youth voice is genuinely influential.