Conversations with Changemakers: Priya Gill - Deputy Youth Mayor, Derby
My short monthly interview sessions focus on an individual who is known to me, has a connection to business and whom I personally admire. In May, I am delighted to shine the spotlight on my niece - Priya Gill.
“My name is Priya Gill, I’m 17 years of age and as of May 2020, I will be the Deputy Youth Mayor of Derby. I study at Landau Forte College in Derby – A Levels in Chemistry, Product Design, and English Language & Literature. I am passionate about providing a voice for young people, and I hope that over the next year, I can do them justice. My main focuses are providing opportunities of a wider variety, putting on events that integrate society and most importantly, ensuring every young person in Derby has a voice”.
What is your current role and how did you secure this – Derby Deputy Youth Mayor.
Through school, I was chosen to sit on Derby Youth Council in 2016. There were some 50 members from all schools in Derby. We hold a monthly meeting, where a member of Derby City Council is also present, where they inform on a particular issue, forming the focus for our discussions. The topics covered are varied and include domestic abuse, housing, poverty and mental health. The Heads of these departments outline the situation in Derby and ask for our views – from a young person’s perspective - as to these issues and how we believe these issues can be resolved.
We have shared insight as to how the Derby City Council website can be better navigated by the end user. We focused on simplicity and gave suggestions as to how this website could be structured to allow young residents within Derby to better utilise the services offered. We campaigned to keep the B-line facility open for young people in Derby. This service offers discounts on train and bus services, retail discounts and access to all libraries in Derby. The council wanted to scrap this service due to cost cutting. We passionately believed that the usage amongst young people was very high – and we retained this service.
This led me to understand and believe that I can make a difference - and I wanted to do more. In November 2019, the opportunity arose for me to stand as Derby Youth Mayor – this was something I very much wanted to secure. I had to apply, giving my reasons as to why I wanted to apply and how I could make a difference. 15 schools were involved and there were around 30 applicants. A panel, including the current Derby Youth Mayor picked one applicant from each of the 15 schools. We then had to prepare a 3 min speech highlighting our ambitions and how we were to achieve these.
My research amongst young people highlighted 3 critical areas:
· The lack of opportunity in Derby from an extra-curricular perspective. These students highlighted the lack of provision especially in music and sports. Derby has a very diverse population with different needs. Not every young person has access to these facilities.
· Secondly, my research demonstrated the huge amount of mental health issues amongst the young. This included trolling, bullying and self-harm. There is not always a clear path as to where to go and how to secure support.
· My final focus was around the poor infrastructure within Derby City Centre and the lack of facilities, recreation and points of interest.
My pledge is to assist in the development of these 3 areas by working closely with Derby County Council.
This pitch was to Derby Youth Council- Chaired by The Mayor of Derby. The Youth Council then chose the final 4 candidates. Our recorded speeches were then sent to all of the schools in Derby. Each school student had the opportunity to vote for their chosen candidate. In February the votes were counted and the Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor were announced, I secured the second highest number of votes and was made the new Derby Deputy Youth Mayor on 24 February.
I was delighted, very proud (and a little nervous)! I will be Derby Deputy Youth Mayor, commencing in May, and I very much want to focus on my 3 highlighted areas. I will attend Council Meetings and Council Cabinet Meetings and will have access to the various departments. I want to work with the council to help improve these key areas and to introduce “new ways of working”. I have been shadowing the current Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor since February to “learn the ropes”.
Do you think this role is carries a large responsibility?
Yes, but I have the support of young people. I voice their opinions and channel this into the Council.
Are you interested in politics?
YES, it’s a passion. I am so interested in Brexit, climate, being less materialistic, sustainability, opportunity for all, and bringing young people together to work with kindness and in a supportive way.
Who do you admire and why?
My Mum – I see Mum as a strong, financially independent woman. She fights for what she believes in and is an incredible role model!
What advice would you offer to a female wanting to secure a career in politics?
Be yourself, be authentic and forget the trolls!
Share a Secret.
My passion is poetry, writing poetry is an outlet for me. I have been supported by teachers who have given me a lot guidance. I am into “spoken word poetry” – my English Teacher introduced me to this. I write about the challenges that young people face and sometimes put this to music.