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The Chair of Guernsey's Youth Forum has been at the Youth Parliament sitting in the UK's House of Commons where she was able to speak about equality matters facing young people living here.
16-year-old Neave Chatting-Tonks was representing Guernsey for the first time - alongside delegates from Jersey and the Isle of Man, as each of the Crown Dependencies were invited for the first time.
224 young people between 11 and 18-years-old were there for the event.
They were going to discuss various topics chosen by themselves, including 'Holiday Hunger', food qualities, standardisation of food quality and volumes, financing and funding school meals, and food pricing.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, was chair of the morning session.
“It is so important that we, as politicians, hear the views of young people, which is why I am really looking forward to chairing this year's UK Youth Parliament.
“For the first time ever, we will hear from representatives of the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man – alongside their colleagues from the UK Overseas Territories.”
Dylan Rees-Coshan, Member of Youth Parliament for Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, also welcomed the guests from the CDs and other jurisdictions.
“Members of Youth Parliament will take over the Commons Chamber to debate the food related concerns of young people in the UK. These issues have been carefully considered and are thought to be the most effective and achievable ways of ensuring extended provision of free school meals are something the UK Government can implement.
“It's imperative that young people's views on food insecurity are taken seriously into account by decision-makers, and we hope our debate will showcase this.”
Pictured: Neave Chatting-Tonks receiving her prize at the Dyslexia Awards.
As well as being Chair of the Youth Forum, Neave is one of the Lieutenant Governor's Cadets and she recently won a prize at the Dyslexia Awards.
She was diagnosed dyslexic at age seven, and won the 13-19 years community shining star award.
The judges had praised her resilience and said: "We have chosen Neave to win this award as she has been going above and beyond to achieve in enrichment activities, such as the Duke of Edinburgh awards and other community roles.
“She always has a positive attitude and is a positive ambassador to others. Although she has struggled academically, she still proves to be resilient and have the strength of character to succeed.”
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