Hailsham Youth Service

YOUTH WORKERS VISIT HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT (04/12/24)

Youth workers from Hailsham Youth Service were invited to Parliament by Sussex Weald MP, Nus Ghani, as a thank you for the Service's continued provision of activities, opportunities and support services for young people.

A group of eight youth workers ventured to London on 2nd December to receive a tour of the Houses of Parliament, where they were given a brief history of the building and how the UK's democratic system evolved. The tour was followed by a question and answers session, and a chat with Mrs Ghani, who also serves as the senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons.

The youth workers were accompanied by Youth Service Manager Andy Joyes and Deputy Manager, Joel Cottingham.

"This was a great opportunity for members of the Hailsham Youth Service team to get a feel of what it's like at the very heart of decision-making in the UK, giving us the opportunity to see how taking part in the democratic process and expressing our views can make a real difference," said Andy Joyes. "The Westminster Parliament tour has not only helped the team gain a greater understanding of central government, how decision-making works and about the day-to-day work of a present-day MP but has also provided insight into how Hailsham's youth councillors can contribute in a positive way to the local community by engaging with local councils."

Hailsham Youth Service's tour of the House of Parliament followed Nus Ghani's two visits to the new Station Youth Centre premises in Western Road in September, to officially open the new facility and find out more about the impact of the team's work in the community.

Mrs Ghani has previously met with youth workers, seeing for herself some of the projects being undertaken by Service staff and taking part in various activities with young people who attend the centre.

"We are delighted that Mrs Ghani has expressed an interest in what the Service offers to local young people by visiting the The Station Youth Centre twice in one month," added Mr Joyes. "The young people present on both occasions enjoyed their conversations with her, as did the youth workers and several community partners."

"It was a pleasure to give Mrs Ghani a taste of what we do here at the Station Youth Centre and tell her more about our other facilities and support work available for local young people. Her interest in our previous work and ongoing projects are very much appreciated. She showed great interest in learning about the local provisions available to young people via Hailsham Youth Service."

"The invitation to Westminster yesterday was welcome and we're grateful to Mrs Ghani and her team for making the necessary arrangements and giving us time out of her busy schedule on the day."