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Young people in the area who are interested in politics and public speaking could now be thinking about applying for the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP).

Any young person who lives in Suffolk and is aged 11-18 can be elected by their peers as a member of UKYP. The next elections are to be held March 15-19.

The UKYP is an independent national body, which seeks to represent no party political view – it provides opportunities for young people to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change.

The UK Youth Parliament has 600 elected MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament). Any young person aged 11-18 can stand or vote. In the past two years one million young people have voted in UK Youth Parliament elections.

Once elected MYPs organise events and projects, run campaigns and influence decision-makers on the issues which matter most to young people. All MYPs meet once a year at the UK Youth Parliament Annual Sitting.

Young people in Suffolk who wish to stand need to register with Andy Fell, youth involvement manager, Youth and Connexions Service on 07753 724270 or email andy.fell@suffolk.gov.uk by 26 February 2010. You are then invited to come to an information session in your local area. For more details visit: www.thesource.me.uk/ukyp

Current member for Suffolk, Olly Jacob, pictured, said: “Being an MYP has given me the chance to find out about other projects for young people. I have been on trips such as to the House of Commons.”

Olly’s tips to young people who would like to stand include: “Speak up and don't be afraid to voice what you think as you could have the best point of all.

"Manage your time well - school, college, university come first. Finally participate as much as you can, meet lots of people and have plenty of fun.”