A young carer from Warminster will take their voice to the national stage after being elected to the UK Youth Parliament, marking the latest step in a growing role representing young people.
Kit Hopkins has cared for their mum Sarah since the age of four, supporting her through multiple long-term health conditions including polycystic fibrosis dysplasia and brittle bone disease.
Kit was elected to the Young Carers Council before joining Wiltshire Youth Council in February and was selected for the Youth Parliament last month to champion the views of young carers and represent Wiltshire on a national scale.
“Ever since I was younger, I knew I wanted to make a positive difference in our local community and help create a place people are proud to live in,” said Kit. “I never knew how I would be able to make that difference, but I have now taken that first step towards my goals of making Wiltshire a much better environment.
“I want to make changes that will benefit everyone: children, teenagers, adults, parents, the elderly, people with disabilities and learning difficulties and anyone who decides to visit wonderful Wiltshire.”
Serving a two-year term, members of the UK Youth Parliament are elected to represent young people in their area, take part in national debates and campaigns and bring issues affecting young people to decision-makers.
“When I got the email that I had been elected I was overwhelmed with joyous emotions,” said Kit. “I instantly shared the news with my family, friends and the youth workers at Community First. Everyone was so proud of what I had achieved. At our first meeting, I wrote and delivered a speech as a representative for West Wiltshire. It highlighted why I wanted to be a member of Youth Parliament and what I planned to achieve.”
Kit first became involved after attending a young carers group run by Community First and realised they could use their experience to support others in similar situations.
“As a young carer, having this opportunity means the absolute world to me. Sometimes it felt like I was restricted in what I could do because of my responsibilities, having to miss out on events because I’m looking after someone. I’ve been a young carer since I was about four, helping out with things as small as getting mum dressed and looking after my younger brother.
“This shows that nothing can hold you back from achieving your goal or being part of important conversations. Being in the youth council means I can speak up for young carers and put forward ideas that will genuinely support us, especially when so many of us are balancing extra responsibilities.”
Wiltshire Youth Council includes Special Advisors, young people who help ensure the views of under-represented groups are heard.
“I want to achieve many things in these next two years as a youth councillor. I’m excited to make change in our local area and help make it somewhere people want to visit, a place that is a community and that everyone looks after each other. I can’t wait to represent all young carers and young people in our area,” Kit added.
