Members of ABC Youth Voice visited the Council Chamber at Craigavon Civic Centre to learn about local government and decision-making. The event, held as part of Local Democracy Week, was organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council's Community Development Good Relations and Community Planning teams with the Education Authority's Youth Service.

The event was for young people aged 15 to 21. Members met with elected representatives and took part in a question and answer session. They raised issues important to them and shared their views with councillors. Elected representatives who attended included Alderman Mark Baxter, Councillor Kate Evans, Councillor Joy Ferguson, Councillor Keith Ratcliffe, Councillor Kyle Savage and Lord Mayor Councillor Mary O'Dowd.

In a statement, Councillor O'Dowd said young people should have opportunities to engage with local democracy and understand how decisions affecting their everyday lives are made. She added that such events strengthen connections between young people and their elected representatives.

Sarah Muldoon, Senior Youth Officer for Education Authority - Youth Services Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Area, said the Youth Voice group is committed to involving children and young people in decisions affecting their lives. She said participants prepared questions and took an active role in discussions, and that the event helped develop their confidence, leadership and advocacy skills.

The event was part-funded through The Executive Office District Council Good Relations Programme.