Posted on: Friday 17 October 2025
Two young people have signed up to a new leadership programme to encourage young people to be actively involved in local democracy.
The Young Leaders programme is initially aimed at young people, aged 18 to 25, who have been part of the Torfaen Youth Forum.
The aim is to enable them to develop their understanding of local government and represent the voices of the youth forum and other youth organisations.
The role will involve supporting the youth forum with meetings and visits, working with council officers, including the elections team, and shadowing Executive Members.
It's hoped the one-year programme can be developed in the future to include members of the Torfaen Youth Alliance groups.
Boyd Painter, from Blaenavon, who will be working alongside Corban Edwards, from Cwmbran, said: "This is a great opportunity to develop on what we have learnt as part of the Torfaen Youth Forum.
"Volunteering is at the heart of our community - every single contribution that one person makes in their community gives out a large ripple effect of positivity. Through this scheme I hope to gain a better understanding of the wants and needs of young people who I will do my best to represent.”
The young leaders will be supported by council's Children and Young People's Participation Officer and volunteering co-ordinator Katrina Nocks.
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "The views of young people are very important but young people often don't know how to get involved in local democracy.
"We're working hard to involve young people through initiatives like the youth forum, youth alliance and young people's take over days, but having young people at the heart of the day-to-day running of the council will hopefully give others the confidence to get involved as well.
"The programme will also enable our young leaders to develop experience, knowledge, skills which will help them in whatever career path they chose."
The Torfaen Youth Forum was relaunched in February 2024 and is aimed at secondary school pupils interested in their local community.
The Torfaen Youth Alliance, which includes representatives from 12 young people's organisations to identify common challenges and solutions, was set up in June 2024.
Work is also underway to develop a Torfaen Junior Forum for primary school age pupil.
The next young people's take over day will take place in December. Secondary school pupils will be able to apply for a range of roles, including being the council chief executive for the day. For more information, contact philip.wilson@torfaen.gov.uk