Voting closes on the 30th of April so don’t delay and vote today:
Vote for your New Deputy Youth Mayor
Abi Phillips-Youth Forum Member
I would very much like to put myself forward for the role of Deputy Youth Mayor because I feel passionate about helping Young People of Blaenau Gwent. I am passionate about tackling poverty as Blaenau Gwent is an area of high deprivation. As a young person with a disability, I feel it is so important for me to shine a light on how difficult day to day activities such as accessing education can be, but also to educate young people about disabilities. I want young people with disabilities to feel supported and treated as equals. I don’t think young people with a disability should struggle to do everyday things, there are many obstacles in place that prevent this, such as the price of transport especially for education when you are older, lack of dropped curbs that prevent wheelchair users getting to places. To tackle these issues, I would like to advocate for young people with decision makers to improve support for young people to get to education and access the world around them. I want to talk about alternative options like voluntary transport schemes for education. I am a current student at Ebbw Vale, so I know how difficult it is to access free transport and how expensive it is to pay for a taxi. I am very passionate about working to achieve the best for all young people living in Blaenau Gwent, I love being part of Blaenau Gwent Youth Forum and if chosen to be Deputy Youth Mayor I promise I will work on the priorities that matter most to young people as well as those I have highlighted.
Aiden Jones-Youth Forum Member
Shwmae! I'm Aidan, age 14, from Ebbw Vale. I would be suitable for this role because I genuinely care about the importance of young people's rights. My personal experiences have shaped me and I am determined to make a difference in the world, especially for those who have struggled to be heard. I am a member of the Family Justice Young People's Board and regularly work with solicitors, judges, and other professionals across England and Wales to ensure the child's voice is represented and to improve the family justice system. I am a confident public speaker and have good relationships with my peers. I'm not afraid to speak up for what is right. I want the young people of Blaenau Gwent to be heard and I will do that for them. I want to help the young people in my community. Thank you for considering me.
Pheobe Paton-Youth Forum Member
I am 15, in Year 11 at Ebbw Fawr Learning Community, and I live in Ebbw Vale. I want to be Deputy Youth Mayor for Blaenau Gwent because I see the real challenges young people face every day—bullying, antisocial behaviour, and pressures around drugs and alcohol. These issues affect friendships, family life, and mental health, and I want to make a genuine, positive difference.
During my time at school, I’ve taken on a variety of roles that have helped me learn how to listen, support others, and turn ideas into action. I believe we need fresh, engaging approaches that truly reach today’s youth. To tackle bullying, I would support peer-led mentoring, safe spaces for honest conversations, and campaigns encouraging respect. For drugs and alcohol, I would create youth-led activities, creative projects, and events that offer real alternatives and build confidence. To address crime and antisocial behaviour, I would promote community projects, volunteering, and social events that help young people contribute positively.
I want Blaenau Gwent to be a place where young people don’t just get by—they grow, belong, and feel proud of the community they call home.
Thank you for taking the time to read my application
Lexi Humphreys-Youth Forum Member
My name is Lexi Humphreys; I am 16 years old and currently study at Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw. I am applying to be Deputy Youth Mayor because I want to be a strong and genuine voice for young people in Blaenau Gwent and represent our views in a positive and practical way. The issues of drugs and alcohol, crime, antisocial behaviour, and bullying directly affect our generation. I would work with Blaenau Gwent Youth Service to deliver their VR workshops showing the real-life consequences of antisocial behaviour in an engaging and realistic way. In partnership with BAROD and other local organisations, I would support campaigns highlighting how substance misuse impacts families and communities. I would also promote safe spaces where young people can share experiences and access guidance. As Deputy Youth Mayor, I would ensure young people feel heard, supported, and properly represented.
Voting closes on the 30th of April so don’t delay and vote today