Agenda and minutes

Councillor Members of the Youth Cabinet are asked whether they have any interest in any item on the agenda and if so, to formally declare that interest.

There were no declarations made at the meeting.

The Minutes of the last meeting held on 27 January 2026 are attached.

It was agreed:

That the Minutes of the last meeting held on 27 January 2026 be approved as a correct record.

It was explained that following the Circles of Influence Conference, young people were discussing how to ensure that action is taken and monitored in relation to the key findings from the conference. Youth Cabinet have created a document and are asking for nominated officers/members to oversee the actions in relation to the particular key findings.

Meetings have been arranged to take place and the nominated officers/members will be invited to attend.

Those present discussed each of the key findings and the following officers/members were identified:

Young people feel unsafe in many public spaces and lack access to affordable, safe meeting places. – Emma Russell

Knife crime remains a major concern, even among those who have not been directly affected. – Chris Woodhouse

Mental health support is more accessible in school than in the community: waiting lists remain a barrier. – Will Blandamer

Schools vary greatly in how they handle discriminatory language and promote inclusive cultures. - Ben Dunne

Transport reliability and safety continue to negatively affect young people’s mobility and wellbeing. – Councillor D Green

Use of vapes by young people is still a concern and more needs to be done to educate them about the potential dangers. - Jon Hobday

Chief Inspector Barton reported that there had been a youth conference on the 13 February which he stated had been a really positive event. There had been discussions on incidents that happened at a local level as well as incidents of note which could occur outside the UK but would still impact Bury Schools and young people.

Chief Inspector Barton reported that there had been a few incidents recently around Bury Town Centre when two young people had travelled into the town centre and set about rampaging around The Rock near McDonalds and stealing from shops. A dispersal order had been issues and lasted for 12 hours.

Jon Hobday sent apologies for the meeting. Those present were given the opportunity to make comments or to raise any issues in relation to any health related issues.

It was reported that a SEND teacher training package was in the process of being piloted. There had been work done in relation to a design and slogan for the Neuro Hub.

Jeanette reported that there had been an Ofsted/CQC inspection of Local Area Send Monitoring and they had held a session with the Changemakers group. Jeanette explained that it had been a really well received and the changemakers had shown a superb level of knowledge. Jeanette thanked all those that had participated and stated that she would report back when the outcome letter was received.

It was explained that the MYP elections had taken place since the last meeting of the Youth Cabinet.

Alexandro Ghanem had been elected as the Member of Youth Parliament and would be taking up the position officially from today. He will be supported by the Deputy MYPs Hannah and Tobias. The turnout had been 35% across Bury which was the highest ion the north west region.

Alexandro thanked everyone for their support.

It was agreed

That Alexandro, Hannah and Tobias be congratulated on their appointments.

He reported that he and 4 other reps from Bury Youth Cabinet had attended an event in Liverpool where they had engaged with other MYPs and Youth Members.  They had met with the other MYP’s, and the MP for Knowsley received tips on do’s and don’ts and debating and then taken part in an exercise on propaganda in newspapers.

It was explained that the Youth Parliament haven’t identified their manifesto yet so if anyone had anything to include they should raise it.

Heather and Adele referred to Make your Mark where relevant issues were picked and then young people across the country voted on to decide what should be debated at the house of Commons Youth Parliament sitting. Heather and Adele suggested that this could be done on a local level in Bury across schools and colleges.

It was suggested that the option of doing this digitally should also be looked into so that as many people as possible could take part.

It was agreed:

That a local Make Your Mark would take place across Bury and would be designed by the Youth Cabinet.

Violet reported that she had attended a lecture about ‘growing up in an online world’. There had been discussions and conversations about the impact of the internet for young people.

Violet explained that she had been asked to complete a survey as there were going to be changes to the GMYCA and she would do this to make sure that Bury’s input was included.

It was also reported that a new logo was being designed for the North West Impact Awards and Violet would ask if this could be shared.

Violet reported that this would be her last meeting as the Youth Mayor and Noah would be taking over from the next meeting in the new Municipal Year.

It was agreed:

1. That Violet be thanked for her update

2. That the Youth Cabinet places on record its thanks to Violet for the excellent way that she has undertaken the role of Youth Mayor and all of the work that she has carried out in the role.

Noah gave an update to the Youth Cabinet in relation to Travel across Bury.

He had attended a ‘ lets get moving’ update meeting on 17 March where the following had been discussed:-

·         Physical activity

·         Obesity across Bury

·         Dr Bike initiative in Bury Schools

·         £150m update to the Bury tram line

·         Timetable changes

·         New Bury Interchange project

·         Service improvements to the Bus network

·         Introduction of more night bus services

Noah reported that any comments in relation to the Bee Network can be sent to busnetworkdevelopment@tfgm.com

Councillor Green referred to the travel safe live chat that can be accessed via the Bee Network app and explained that this can be used if you are feeling unsafe at any time while travelling.

It was agreed:

That Noah be thanked for the update.

Councillor Lancaster explained that she was a member of Bury Town Twinning and they were hoping to involve more young people in the work that they did with Bury’s Twin Towns of Tulle, Angouleme, Schorndorf, Woodbury and Dueville.  She explained that there were a number of events held across the year. Anyone interested can find out more information through the Town Twinning website, Facebook page or contact Councillor Lancaster.

Adele reported that the Bury North MP, James Frith would be having a get together with Youth Cabinet and Changemaker member on 1 May at pm at the Town Hall. If any one wanted to come along they were more than welcome to.

Heather reported that interviews were being held on 9 May for roles within the Bury Adolescent Team and there would be young people involvement. She asked if anyone wanted to take part to contact her to discuss. Jeanette explained that young people involvement in this process was invaluable.

Adele reported that there had been a few incidences of journalist contacting young people directly to ask for input. She asked that if anybody was approached to not engage and direct them to herself or Heather. Adele also explained that she would be sharing guidance on this.

Should mobile phones be banned in schools?

Those present held a debate to discuss the above and a vote was held

It was agreed:

1. That mobile phones should be banned in schools.

2. That the next debate will be ‘should the Monarchy be abolished’?