Hello from the Highland Youth Convener

Meet Maria. In August, she took on the role of Highland Youth Convener. We met up with her to find out more about the role, and her views of the work we are doing at Wave.

Hi Maria! Thanks for taking the time to speak to us. For those that don’t know, can you start by telling us what the Highland Youth Convener does and more about the role?

The Highland Youth Convener represents young people (aged 12 – 25) in the Highlands in various council meetings, and works with young people to make the Highlands a fantastic place to live.

What made you want to take on the role?

I believe that young people are the voice of the future and that the decisions being made today will have an effect on their lives. I want to make sure they are heard and are part of developing the Highlands.

So as the current Highland Youth Convener, what are your priorities during your time in post?

My priorities this year are to continue improving education and services for sexual health and mental health, and preparing for the Year of Young People 2018.

Can you tell us a bit more about the work you have done with Wave so far and how Wave can work with young people to improve their sexual health education in Highland?

I was part of the interview panel for the sessional workers who will be presenting Wave in schools, as well as spending the day at Waverley Care. It was a fantastic opportunity and great to see so many keen people wanting to get involved. I think Wave is so important because in the Highlands getting access to anything can be difficult so to have Wave coming into schools and bringing important information about sexual health to young people is amazing.

Lastly, tell us either an interesting fact about yourself that we don’t already know …

I am a Lieutenant at 4A and 4B Inverness Girls’ Brigade and have been going to Girls’ Brigade now for 16 years.

Thanks for speaking to us Maria. Good luck for the rest of your time as the Highland Youth Convener.