YOUNG people who are passionate about the region’s future are being sought to join a youth forum.
It is run by South of Scotland Enterprise as a way for them to better understand the issues that are impacting young people living and working locally.
The members help the organisation in making important regional decisions.
And more are needed with a call out to anyone aged 16 to 25 living in Dumfries and Galloway. Applicants must have a permanent address within the region but could be studying elsewhere.
Members of the Forum are asked to give their views on wide range of areas that are of interest to the region’s economic and community development agency. This will include the things young people would like to see happen in their area, and what young people think the future of the South of Scotland should look like.
Over the past year, topics have included what it’s like to study in the South, barriers faced by young people when starting up their own business, and how the success of the South of Scotland Regional Economic Strategy could be measured in a way that people can understand.
Youth Advisory Forum members will get the chance to create a network of professional contacts, while receiving training and coaching along the way to help develop their confidence and skillset.
They will also be provided with an opportunity to gain a qualification.
Applications to join tare being now being welcomed and will be accepted in written, audio or video formats by the closing date of September 30.
Current member Jake McLaughlan has encouraged others to join, saying: “You really feel like there is something coming out of it.
“You can see where things are happening because of things that you’ve mentioned, and we’re always fed back the information as well.
“Any opportunities that are there for future development are really great so I would 100% recommend this for people.”
Melissa Gunn, who leads SOSE’s Youth Advisory Forum, added: “We see the Youth Advisory Forum as an integral part of our work at SOSE and our future planning in the South of Scotland.
“This is an opportunity for young people to get their voice heard and inform discussions that will impact their future in their local areas.
“You don’t need to have experience to apply, we will support you throughout, and it’s a great opportunity to gain experience and meet new people along the way.”
* For more information, and to submit an application, go to www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/youthadvisoryforum.
