Young people take over the news agenda

Teenagers sometimes unfairly get a bad press – but four young people from Bury are determined to correct that.

They took part in National Takeover Day, organised by the Children’s Commissioner, when youngsters across the country take over adult jobs for the day. And where better to start than Bury Council’s own press office?

The takeover quartet were: Liam Swanston (18) from Whitefield, a former Holy Cross College student now studying at Chester University; Tom Sharman (16) from Tottington, who attends Tottington High School; Emily Kay (15) from Bury, a student at Bury CE High School; and 11-year-old Artemis Redican (11) from Bury, recently arrived at St Gabriel’s High School.

They were keen to create their own press releases to showcase the positive achievements of local young people, in the hope of challenging the negative stereotypes sometimes portrayed in the media.

The stories they created included: a youth project nominated for an award, pupils in a local high school raising awareness of issues, the work of Bury’s Youth Cabinet, following a day in the life of Bury’s Youth MP, and young people creating a charity album in memory of a late friend.

Peter Doherty, council press officer, said: “Young people have got lots of good stories to tell – all they need is an opportunity to let the world know about them. I was delighted to help, and hopefully our friends in the press and media will give them that chance!” 

ENDS

Press release issued: 30 November 2012.

Picture attached: We’re taking over! Council press officer Peter Doherty is ousted by (from left) Liam Swanston, Emily Kay, Tom Sharman and Artemis Redican.