♡If I was Prime Minister, I would.... Parliament Week 2018♡

Dear Reader, 

    Today 1st Stalham Rangers joined with the Guides to participate in UK Parliament Week 2018!!!

Our challenge was to create a party, elect a leader to run for Prime Minister, to write a manifesto, and attempt to win the vote....

If I am voted your Prime Minister, I promise to ensure a budget centered around Mental Health provision, the NHS, and community funding. 

Firstly, Mental Health. In GirlGuiding's last 'Girl's Attitude' survey, they found that only 25% of young women aged 7-21 are 'very happy', compared to 41% in 2009. Still, in 2018, more men aged 14-30 suffer with mental health issues due to a lack of confidence in speaking out and seeking help than women aged 14-30. Availability of mental health resources such as therapists is at an all time low due to increasing demand, whilst the money is disappearing faster than a pizza hut ice cream factory...

Next, the NHS. Our National Health Service has been serving British people since July 5th 1948, but with money being the most constant crippling problem since 1951 (that's 67 years!!!). If we tackle the issue of funding, the NHS can continue to provide the free medical service that is unique and one of the proudest parts of British history. Also, tackling mental health will lift a huge weight off of the NHS, and save millions of pounds every year. 

Finally, community funding. Many children benefit dramatically in their key developmental years by accessing youth groups such as Brownies, Scouts, St.John's Ambulance, Swimming, Football, the list goes on....Making friends and having adventures makes children happy, successful and resilient - it has been found to improve mental health in children through craft, and other expressive activities, challenges and social interaction. Giving local councils the money to commission and upkeep facilities such as Stalham's brand new Poppy Centre helps more children to access ever-growing youth groups and have a space to grow. 

So, do you see the links?

Better mental health across the UK  = less pressure on the special, prestigious health service

Happier children = better mental health

A continuing NHS = healthier, happier children, growing into healthier, happier adults

Tackle these 3 issues = launch into a happier, hopeful Britain!

Prime Minister Beth looking slightly demented and pleased with herself....

It is so, so important to educate young people about politics, we will be the government of the next generation, and in the light of the centenary of women gaining the vote, it is vital that we encourage women into politics and carry on what they fought for. 

We also received a talk from a local town councillor who came to discuss politics at a local level, and the responsibility they have for local facilities, such as youth group meeting places, graveyards, street lights and pot holes!

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I promise that I will do my best, to be true to myself and develop my beliefs, to serve the Queen and my community, to help other people and to keep the Guide Law,

Yours, 

The 17-Year-Old Brownie

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