Here's where we're at!

We were asked if we wanted to be involved in a Y-Vote? Y-Not? event.

From our previous experience of Y-Vote? Y-Not? we agreed to go.

When there, we found that there had been many different events that we weren't aware of, and hadn't been kept up to date.

Everyone was talking about these events whilst we were left sat wondering what they were going on about. We know a little about the different events now as we had to sit for hours listening to people complain about them. If we had got information about the events before this event, we would have been more comfortable joining in conversations about them. We felt that everyone else knew more than us and maybe there was no need for us to be here in the first place, as the subjects of conversation didn't relate to young mothers anyway.

We don't feel Y-Vote Y-Not is thinking about things that matter to us. So why vote?

So this is where we're at!

 

Click picture to enlarge.

• What about our children?

• Read our booklet please

• We need childcare help so we can work.

• Local issues matter to us. e.g. Saving our local swimming pool from closure.

• We're all different.

• Training for people not in school or college.

• Give us information through people we meet. e.g. Health visitors, midwives, GP's.

Recommendations

• Talk to us about issues that affect us. Meeting the different needs of all young people is still not happening.

• Get in touch with where we're at. Speak to real people. You're still not doing it.

• Y-Vote Y-Not need to be more young people led. Not just young people at events, but young people involved throughout (e.g. Planning Str8 Up etc)

• Take it local. Our local MP and councillors have listened to us and spent time with us. This should happen everywhere and more.

The Breakout Booklet

The breakout booklet has been prepared by New Routes Rossendale, young mums from Haslingden, Lancashire. The booklet explores barriers to returning to education, training and employment for young mums. It's aimed anyone who wants to know more about the issues that young mums face.

Copies available from Ingrid on 07887 830 879

We left our children and families in the hope that we could make a difference, give us our voice and represent young mothers. We were disappointed that our views weren't taken into account and that we didn't have a chance to express our opinions and tell people what democracy and politics means to us.

You'll say you'll come but you never do, We can be bothered, why can't you!!

Zoe Lawe and Vicky Mairs, New Routes, Rossendale. Leanne Buckley and Suzanne Hasid, Key to the Door, Oldham.