Youth matters.

Welcome to the 1^st Bridgend Youth article. Our aim is to break down the political jargon you hear and make it something all young people in the area can relate to.

We will be running many campaigns in the coming year and would like many young people to come and join us. As a new arm of the Liberal Democrat Student and Youth Movement, Bridgend Youth is working for equality of opportunities for all. We want all young people in the area to have freedom and above all else a chance to air their views.

We would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Profile:

Name: Sarah Davies

Age: 22

Live: Laleston

Job:

Qualification: BA (Hons) International Management Degree

Hey! My name is Sarah Davies. I am 22 years old and have spent all my life living in Laleston. This has allowed me to observe the changes in the political environment over the past few years. I have a BA (Hons) International Management Degree. I enjoy learning other languages and find that travelling to other countries provides me with an opportunity to embrace new cultures and learn more about the people.

I enjoy many leisure activities and use the gym as much as I can. I have recently started working in the fitness industry so am aware of how important exercise is.

I have only recently joined the Liberal Democrats and have found that they have been very supportive. Working with Martin to develop campaigns has really shown what can be done in the area and we are counting on the support of as many young people as possible. Stand up and be counted!!

Profile:

Name: Martin Plant

Age: 26

Live: Caerau, Maesteg.

Job: Residential Social Worker

Qualification: BA (Hons) Combined Studies (Law, Criminology & Psychology), University of Glamorgan

“For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in politics and current affairs, Like many others my family and I have been personally affected by changes in government policy, from the Tories' pit closures, to Labours' U turn on tuition fees. In Wales we have all been fighting for a better quality of life, but some are content with a moan and a groan. Personally I am tired of inaction. A good friend of mine once said ‘if the system does not work for you then change the system’. Since that day I have been active within such political organisations as National Union of Students and Liberal Democrat Youth & Students since 1997. The Welsh Liberal Democrat Party is the only political party in Wales that has real and workable solutions to youth and student issues. The Welsh Liberal Democrats want to lower the age of voting to 16; abolish Labour's poll tax on learning by doing away with tuition and top-up fees; to end discrimination on earnings, by calling for an equal minimum wage for under 21s who are entitled to LESS under Labour, Ł3.80 compared to Ł4.50 that is given to adults. That is why the Liberal Democrat party is the number one choice for students (Unite/MORI poll of students 2004) and the youth of Britain”