Dumfries & Galloway Youth Council

08/06/2026

Greg, Madoc, Freya and Poppy are back from a brilliant weekend at the 84th Sitting! This was their first sitting since being elected in December!

On Friday Night, they were straight to it, presenting on youth participation structures in Dumfries and Galloway, and getting to know their peers from across Scotland

On Saturday, they took part in a range of sessions which will help them be effective in their roles as MSYPs, as well as hearing from the Scottish Elections study, which discussed how Scotlands voting patterns have changed since the 2021 election. The formal part of the day ended by taking part in consultation workshops, looking at a range of issues including the Scottish Sentencing System, tech-facilited violence, the sustainability of Scotlands Universities, and harm reduction around drug use.

The evening social was a chance to get to know other MSYPs, with .latta.msyp showing off her balloon modelling skills, teaching many members, and support workers how to make balloon dogs!

Sunday seen our MSYPs taking part in subject committees, and consultation on education reform, which included a discussion around Phones in Schools. It was a great day, filled with debated, informative discussions, and being able to understand more about the various issues affecting young people nationally.

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, 13 members motions were debated, with all 13 passing.

MSYPs are looking forward to bringing the learning from the weekend back to Dumfries and Galloway, to see what they can do locally!

26/05/2026

📢 We still want to hear from you!
Have you had your say yet on AI and phone use in schools? 👀📱
We’re still collecting views from young people, and your opinion really matters. This is your chance to help shape how schools think about technology and mobile phones going forward.
💬 What do you think about using phones in school?
🤖 How do you feel about AI being used for learning?
✅ The survey only takes a few minutes
✅ Your voice will help influence real decisions
👉 Don’t miss out – complete the survey now!

https://forms.office.com/e/Ljd4h8juvt

15/05/2026

If you're aged 16+, free on Thursday 21st May between 5pm - 8pm and interested in being in the audience for BBC Question Time - apply to be in the audience today!

Sign Up: https://eu.castitreach.com/ag/mentorn/questiontime/welcome.html

Question Time is coming to Dumfries next week BBC Question Time is coming to Dumfries next Thursday 14 May! Apply to join our audience by following the link below…

12/05/2026

🌈 Want to make real change for young people? 🌈
📢 Dumfries & Galloway Youth Council By‑Elections are OPEN for sign ups!
If you’re aged S1–25, this is your opportunity to represent your area, share young people’s views, and help shape decisions that matter 🗣️✨
🗳️ We’re looking for Ward Youth Councillors in:
Annandale East & Eskdale | Annandale North | Annandale South | Lochar | Castle Douglas & Crocketford
👥 We’re also recruiting Nominated Youth Councillors, including young people who are:
• Young Parents
• Gypsy Traveller Young People
• New Scots
• From Ethnic Minority backgrounds
📅 Elections take place June 2026, with successful candidates serving until November 2027 as part of the 4th generation of Youth Councillors 🎉
🔗 Interested or know someone who should apply?
Sign up or get more info here 👉 https://forms.office.com/e/Th9ByZxBRk

12/05/2026

Be honest… how often is your phone out in class? 📱👀
And what do you really think about AI in school? Helpful? Cheating? A bit of both? 🤖
We’re asking young people to share their thoughts, and we need YOUR opinion.
📱 Anonymous
💬 No right or wrong answers
⏱ Takes just a couple of minutes
📊 Your input could influence future school policies
👉 Have your say here: https://forms.office.com/e/Ljd4h8juvt

08/05/2026

⏰ Don’t miss out! ⏰
Youth Council By‑Elections are still OPEN and we’re looking for young people aged S1–25 to step forward and represent their communities across Dumfries & Galloway 🗳️✨
This is your chance to:
✅ Have your voice heard
✅ Represent young people locally
✅ Be part of real change until November 2027
👉 Know a young person who’d be great for this? Tag them, share this post or send it their way!
📲 Find out more or register here: https://forms.office.com/e/Th9ByZxBRk

07/05/2026

There’s 2 hours to go before polling stations close - have you used your vote?

04/05/2026

✨ Ready to make your voice heard? ✨
🗳️ Dumfries & Galloway Youth Council By‑Elections sign up is NOW OPEN!
If you’re S1–25 years old and passionate about making change, this is your chance to step up and represent young people in your community 💬💪
👉 We’re recruiting Ward Youth Councillors in:
📍 Annandale East & Eskdale
📍 Annandale North
📍 Annandale South
📍 Lochar
📍 Castle Douglas & Crocketford
👉 We’re also looking for Nominated Youth Councillors from these groups:
🌟 Young Parents
🌟 Gypsy Traveller Young People
🌟 New Scots
🌟 Ethnic Minority Young People
🗓️ Elections take place in June 2026, with successful candidates serving until November 2027 🎉
📲 Interested or know someone who would be perfect for the role?
Sign up or find out more here 👉 https://forms.office.com/e/Th9ByZxBRk

29/04/2026

📣Sign up's are now OPEN for Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council By-Elections!

The Youth Council is open to any young person aged S1-25 years to put themselves forward as a Ward or Nominated Youth Council Member.
By-Elections will happen in June 2026 and the young people elected will be the 4th generation of Youth Council members in Dumfries and Galloway and their term will run until November 2027!

We are running By-Elections in the following areas:
🗳️Annandale East and Eskdale
🗳️Annandale North
🗳️Annandale South
🗳️Lochar
🗳️Castle Douglas and Crocketford

We are running By-Elections for the following Nominated Youth Councillor Roles:
🗳️Young Parents
🗳️Gypsy Traveller Young People
🗳️New Scots
🗳️Ethnic Minorities

To register your interest to stand or get more information- sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/Th9ByZxBRk

23/03/2026

This afternoon, representatives from the Youth Council came together with NHS Dumfries & Galloway Board Members to take part in the 1st ever Joint Workshop themed around young people!

The session seen presentations by the NHS Board and Youth Council, followed by a workshop focussed on a young person's journey accessing health information and services.

Thank you to all presenters and participants for a productive afternoon 👏