Blaenau Gwent Presiding and Equalities Champion Member Councillor Chris Smith has Inaugurated 17 year old Chloe Simmonds as the new Youth Mayor at a ceremony held at the General Offices, Ebbw Vale on 11th December 2023. This event also allowed the young people of Blaenau Gwent to celebrate their achievements over the past year of which there have been so many.
Chloe Simmonds is a pupil at Coleg Gwent and will be taking over from the outgoing Youth Mayor Mara Moruz who gave a speech about her year’s journey in office as Youth Mayor, which was truly inspirational. Mara was awarded the Medal of Honour for her time of service and thanked for her continued commitment as a Youth Forum Member.
In her acceptance speech Chloe highlighted her priorities which are changing the stigma around second hand clothing and toys (cost of living crisis) and raising awareness around invisible disabilities.
This year’s Deputy Youth Mayor is 16 year-old Ellie Colwell from Coleg Gwent was also appointed, Ellie announced her priorities which are mental health (support and accessibility), raising awareness of bereaved children and enhancing support for children estranged from their families.
The taking of the oaths was supported by Councillor Chris Smith who is a dedicated equalities champion and supporter of children & young people and the Youth Forum. During the event Councillor Sue Edmunds and Councillor Helen Cunningham, Deputy Leader / Cabinet Member, provided speeches and thanks to the outgoing Youth Mayor and welcomed the new Youth Mayor.
Presiding and Equalities Champion Member Councillor Chris Smith said:
“Blaenau Gwent Council always strives to be a place where the voices of young people can be heard. The Youth Forum and the newly appointed Youth Mayor will help raise the profile of our young people in their communities.”
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| Chloe Simmonds, Youth Mayor 2023 – 24. | Ellie Colwell, Deputy Youth Mayor 2023 – 24. | |
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| From left to right: Presiding Member Councillor Chris Smith, Outgoing Youth Mayor Mara Moruz with her Medal of Honour , Councillor Sue Edmunds and Councillor Helen Cunningham, Deputy Leader/Cabinet Member. |