Young people from across the North East took part in a Youth Assembly hosted at St Michael and All Angels Church, Houghton-le-Spring, on the anniversary of the 2024 General Election.
The young people were seeking to secure her commitment to work with them to address issues impacting children locally and nationally.
This is the latest initiative in a number of projects that St Michael’s and All Angels are involved in to help raise the voices of local people to challenge injustice and help people bring about change in the community of Houghton.
The event organised by Tyne and Wear Citizens, was one of a number of youth assemblies held around the country with MPs and members of the government attending.
Its aim was to give young people an opportunity to share their views with elected representatives and to discuss issues affecting children and young people both locally and nationally.
The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South and Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, attended the assembly and heard from young people about their concerns. Topics included bringing down the cost of school uniforms, expanding mental health support in schools, and reforming the curriculum.
Students and staff from local schools – including Burnside, Gillas Lane, Eppleton, Newbottle, and Kepier – were present, as well as schools from West Denton and North Tyneside and students from the University of Sunderland. Artwork and banners from young people unable to attend were displayed in the church.
Revd John Barron, Rector of St Michael and All Angels, said: “The young people did extremely well – they were a huge credit to their schools and the town of Houghton and the North East region. Everyone agreed that the assembly was a great experience.”
Ms Phillipson responded to the concerns raised and made a commitment to return for a future meeting to continue the discussion.
She said: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet with young people from our community and young members of Tyne and Wear Citizens at their assembly in Houghton.”
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Photo: Local school children at St Michael’s and All Angels church with the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP