A Dyffryn Taf pupil in Whitland is standing for Welsh Youth Parliament at the Senedd.

With 60 young people aged 11 to 18 to become Welsh Youth Parliament members, sixteen-year-old Phoenix Collins formerly of Tenby, now residing in Cold Blow, Narberth - Phoenix has put herself forward to be a candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, having undertaken youth work in the locality for the past five years.

An excellent advocate for local young people, Phoenix is currently the Vice Chair for Pembrokeshire Youth Assembly, on the Welsh Youth Mental Health Board, Welsh Youth Health Ambassadors, Dyfed Powys Police Board and Pembrokeshire Youth Bank.

In her candidate statement, key issues Phoenix says she wants to tackle, include - Neurodiversity wider understanding in schools; LGBTQIA+ awareness in social communities; bullying and mental health support

“I am very passionate about Youth Work and getting young people’s voices heard,” she said.

“I have been involved in Youth Work since the age of 11 in local meetings and at national events. I am a strong listener, and I am very dedicated and committed. If you vote for me, I will make sure I get your views and opinions heard,” she added.

During her time promoting youth matters, Phoenix has met with Sally Holland, Children’s Commissioner for Wales; Kirsty Williams, Minister for Education; and Vaughan Gething Minister for Health and Social Services.

11 to 18 year olds need to register to vote by November 12 at: https://youthparliament.senedd.wales in order to vote by November 22.