YMCA Somerset Coast in Bridgwater is calling on General Election candidates to listen to the voices of young people.

YMCA Somerset Coast, which supports young people across the Somerset Coast region, has given its backing to the national YMCA manifesto that lists more than 40 recommendations for the next government, all inspired by consultations with young people across the country.

The recommendations cover a diverse range of subjects that matter to young people today, including access to housing, mental health support, apprenticeships and physical health and wellbeing.

Martin Hodgson, chief executive of YMCA Somerset Coast said: “Only 43 per cent of young people voted in the last General Election and, as such, young people’s voices can be easily ignored by political candidates and decision makers.

“We’re backing this manifesto because it puts young people back at the centre of political debate, ensuring that the issues that matter most to them are highlighted in the run up to 8 June.

“Young people have the most to gain – and the most to lose – from the policies of any future government and that is why we’re calling on our local candidates to put YMCA’s recommendations front and centre of their policies in the coming years.”

YMCA Somerset Coast runs a range of services in Sedgemoor, North Somerset, West Somerset and Taunton Deane. It is part of a nationwide YMCA federation of 116 local charities that, combined, works across 740 communities and supports 630,000 people.

People are also being invited to a local YMCA-organised Hustings event at The George Williams Centre on 1st June 2017 to question local political candidates.

As reported in last week's Mercury, Conservative candidate Ian Liddell-Grainger has ruled out taking part in public debates in the build up to the election, but the other candidates are calling for him to change his mind.

For more information about the hustings, call Katie Newell on 01278 726 006.

Young people are also being encouraged to register to vote ahead in the General Election by the Monday, May 22 deadline. Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.