Politics

Mental health, climate change, inequality: the priorities for Welsh future generations

The Welsh Future Generations Commissioner launched a manifesto calling on politics to act on climate change and inequality

The Democracy Box's Josh White (Blank Face); Lola Evans; Katherine Rees; Tess Honorwood; Emily Mae Jones; and Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Sophie Howe, send a message ahead of the local elections

The Democracy Box's Josh White (Blank Face); Lola Evans; Katherine Rees; Tess Honorwood; Emily Mae Jones; and Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Sophie Howe, send a message ahead of the local elections

Young people in Wales are calling on politicians to act in the interests of future generations – by improving mental health services, acting on climate injustice and reducing social inequality. 

With just five weeks until Wales goes to the polls in local elections, Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe has launched a forward-looking manifesto developed with young people across Wales.  

Eva Franklin,16, was among those who contributed. She said: “Our voices as young people are so important because we are the future, so we should speak up about issues in order to shape the best future for us to inherit.

“I will be able to vote for the first time in the upcoming local elections and it is crucial that young people like me get to the polls and have our say because it is the most direct way to have your voices heard.” 

24-year-old musician Josh Whyte, who performs as Blank Face, was another of the young voices who shaped the manifesto.

“This manifesto supports us in our careers,” he said. “It gives us an opportunity to work on projects and gives us a platform to express our feelings.”

Howe is the UK’s first Future Generations Commissioner. Her role is to protect the interests of future generations, under Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act. She said it was vital that young people have an opportunity to shape their future.

“Our manifesto is co-created by young people based around the issues that matter to them. We’re calling on all our council candidates to hear the voice of young people and make sure that they are acting not just in the interest of older generations but in the interest of younger generations too,” she added.

“With smart policy-making, the problems of both the present and the future can be addressed at the same time, and making these connections is vital.”

The full manifesto is available online here.

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
'Out of touch': Chancellor Jeremy Hunt slammed after claiming £100,000 a year 'isn't a huge salary'
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on inflation
Politics

'Out of touch': Chancellor Jeremy Hunt slammed after claiming £100,000 a year 'isn't a huge salary'

Tory minister Mel Stride sparks backlash after claiming mental health culture has 'gone too far'
Mel Stride/ work capability assessments
Mental health

Tory minister Mel Stride sparks backlash after claiming mental health culture has 'gone too far'

'Food security should be part of our DNA': Would a national food plan help combat poverty?
Food poverty

'Food security should be part of our DNA': Would a national food plan help combat poverty?

UK inflation falls to lowest level in more than two years. But what does it mean for your wallet?
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will be tasked with stopping the UK economy slipping into a technical recession
Inflation

UK inflation falls to lowest level in more than two years. But what does it mean for your wallet?

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know