Young people from the Highlands are being encouraged to apply for a national group that plays a direct role in shaping children’s rights across Scotland.
The call comes from Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean, who works closely with a group of Young Advisors aged between 12 and 17.
The Young Advisors act as human rights defenders, helping to guide the work of the Commissioner and ensure that children’s voices are heard where decisions are made.
The Commissioner’s office promotes and protects children’s human rights, with Young Advisors involved across a wide range of projects and campaigns.
Members are now being recruited from the Highlands, with applications open to young people aged between 12 and 16.
No previous experience is required and all reasonable expenses are covered.
The Young Advisors meet regularly to share their views, discuss issues affecting children and young people, and influence policy and practice at a national and international level.
Over the past year, members of the group have spoken at the United Nations in Geneva and taken part in international children’s rights events in Croatia and Romania.
They have also helped to plan and deliver online school assemblies attended by thousands of children across Scotland.
Alongside this, Young Advisors have worked directly in schools with the Commissioner to gather the views and experiences of their peers, particularly around education.
The group aims to reflect the diversity of children’s lives across Scotland, including geography, background, and personal experience.
Commissioner Nicola Killean said young people are central to everything her office does.
“Children and young people are at the heart of everything we do, and the Young Advisors play a key part in helping us to promote and protect children’s rights.
“But of course children aren’t just one group of people who all think the same and act the same, and it’s really important that we have a wide range of young people to bring different experiences and opinions.
“That’s why I’m encouraging children from the Highlands to apply.
“We’re really excited to welcome new members to our Young Advisors Group.”
Current Young Advisor Elsie said being part of the group has been empowering.
“It’s made me feel like I’ve made a change.
“There’s a reward of ‘I’m making a difference, I’m helping people, I’m changing the world one step at a time’.”
The Commissioner said young people from rural and island communities bring particularly important perspectives.
She added that voices from the Highlands help ensure national decisions reflect the realities of life beyond the central belt.
Applications for the Young Advisors group close on 1 February.
For more information, visit the Commissioner’s website at www.cypcs.org.uk
Successful applicants will join a network of young people working to strengthen children’s rights and influence change across Scotland and beyond.
