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Newham has a track record of listening to young people and Newham Young Mayor’s office are working with us on the Poets’ Manifesto project.

Newham Young Mayor’s office is committed to ensuring all young people see the value in being politically motivated.

After meeting, the Young Mayor, Caroline Wilson, 19, one of the young people currently involved project said:

'It was great to meet someone that cared too about our futures.'

The visit was inspirational in motivating members to take their manifesto to the highest level.

At the 2010 General Election, fewer than half of 18 to 24-year-olds voted, according to a study by Nottingham Trent University. Newham has a long tradition of bringing young people into the world of politics with its Young Mayor scheme. The Poets’ Manifesto project aims to build upon this tradition by breathing new life into what has traditionally been a dry document.

Theatre Royal Stratford East and the Swan Foundation pride themselves on putting young people at the heart of their work. Jan Sharkey-Dodds, Head of Young People’s Work at Theatre Royal Stratford East said:

'For this project to make an impact it is crucial that we get the right audience. We not only need friends and family, we need the people that have the power to make decisions at local and national level. Local young people have strong opinions and this project aims to ensure these are taken into account.'

Pam Brown Principal of Swan Foundation said:

'We have funded this project because we believe in supporting sustainable change to young people’s lives. This project will not only engage young people but give them a platform for voicing their concerns and solutions to the challenges they face each day.'