How the Youth Mayor is selected, what their role is, and introducing our Youth Mayor for the year 2025/26.
Introducing our Basildon Borough Youth Mayor for 2025/26 - Tawona Mpawose, age 16
I am delighted and honoured to be the new Youth Mayor of Basildon.
I've been part of BBYC for the past four years, and for most of that time, I've proudly served as treasurer. Being involved with the youth council has shaped me in so many ways—it's helped me grow in confidence, learn how to work with others, and most importantly, understand the value of having a voice.
I first joined because I wanted to get involved and make a difference. Over time, I've seen the impact young people can have when we're given the chance to speak up and contribute. BBYC has given me that opportunity, and it's something I take seriously.
As Youth Mayor and Chair of the Youth Council, my focus will be on continuing to ensure that young people are heard. I want to help strengthen that connection between young people and the wider community. I believe our role is to reflect the views, needs, and concerns of the youth in the borough—and I'm here to help do just that.
In terms of what I'd like to bring to BBYC this year, I have a few ideas I'm looking forward to developing with the team. I'd like to look at how we can work more closely with others in the community and explore some new opportunities for engagement. But most of all, I want to listen—to my peers, to our members, and to young people across the borough—so that together we can shape our direction moving forward.
How is the Youth Mayor Selected?
The nominated Chair of the Basildon Borough Youth Council (BBYC) is appointed as Basildon Borough's Youth Mayor for a one-year term. They will be supported by their Vice Chair who is appointed as the Deputy Youth Mayor.
Membership of the BBYC is open to any member of the borough between the ages of 11 and 19. The BBYC holds their own Annual General Meeting during May, to which it appoints certain roles to its members.
The BBYC are an independent group of interested young people who meet fortnightly to examine the issues that affect young people living in the borough and take appropriate action.
The BBYC is supported by an officer from the Basildon Council Communities Team and an officer from Essex County Council Youth Service who provide advice and guidance to the group to ensure effective delivery of BBYC projects.
Regular meetings with Basildon and County Council officers, service providers and other young people has enabled the BBYC to convey the views of Basildon's young people to the authorities, on local issues affecting them over many years.
What is the Youth Mayor's role?
The Youth Mayor acts as a role model for young people and an advocate of citizenship and pride in the borough, mirroring the role of the existing Civic Head. The appointee represents the council at an agreed schedule of Civic engagements within the borough, wherever possible outside of school hours, attending alongside either the Mayor or Deputy Mayor.
Due to the nature of the BBYC work and the links they have with the council providing a focus and a channel for young people's views to be heard, the Youth Mayor is a major influence in promoting the image and importance of young people at a local, and possibly regional and national level.
