A Ripon pupil who wants to help improve the lives of young people in North Yorkshire is running as a candidate for the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP).
If elected, Sarah Jayan, 16, from Ripon Grammar School (RGS), will represent the voices of her peers at the highest levels of government.
She said she hopes to help bring about positive social change through her campaigns to help improve the daily commute to school, create more social spaces for young people and offer additional support for those struggling to figure out post-16 choices.
Sarah, who plans to study computer science after RGS, first got interested in politics during Covid and has been galvanised by the young people whose anti-corruption and repression demonstrations helped overthrow the government in Nepal this year.
She said:
“It was inspiring to see how people our age stood up for themselves, united in the same belief, and made me realise the significant lack of youth voices in this country.”
She jumped at the chance to get involved with the UKYP, which provides a platform for more than 300 young people aged 11-19 to voice their opinions on issues which affect them.
Newly elected members will meet with MPs and local councillors, organise events, run campaigns, make speeches, hold debates and ensure the views of young people are heard by decision makers.
Voting begins in mid-January and runs until the end of February.
Sarah, who is studying maths, art and English literature at A-level, said:
“I’ve talked to students about how crowded the school commute gets when children of all ages are moving in the same area, with so many primary and high schools being close together.
“A lot of pupils feel scared or lonely to walk home alone, especially in winter.
“Implementing systems like buddy walking makes it feel less intimidating and will also put parents’ minds at ease.
“Fair costs, dependable schedules, and practical connections are essential for independence and opportunity,” she added.
She said she hoped creating more social spaces would enable young people to grow together:
”Communities flourish when young people have places to meet, create, and feel valued. Positive spaces build confidence, friendships, and resilience.
“They are not optional extras - they are foundations for healthier, happier lives and stronger communities.
“Schools and communities should provide safe spaces for conversations, where understanding, guidance, and empathy are standard.”
Help with post-16 choices is a crucial part of her campaign.
She said:
“This is a key turning point in our lives. Every young person should understand their next steps, not fear them.
“Clear guidance, real exposure to careers, apprenticeships, and educational pathways help us make informed choices.
“When opportunities are visible and accessible, confidence grows - and with it, ambition.
“Every young person deserves to feel equipped to take the next step in their journey.”
Sarah, who has been shortlisted as a candidate for the West area of North Yorkshire, is involved in the school’s debating society and helped found a start-up business as part of the Young Enterprise scheme.
She also volunteers at a local charity shop and plays badminton and tennis outside school.
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