Tain woman reflects on full-on term as Highland Youth Forum convener amid praise for making use of 'every single minute' in role
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN Easter Ross woman tasked with increasing and encouraging participation amongst young people in the Highlands has reflected on her time in office.
Caitlyn Munro delivered a presentation which highlighted the achievements and successes of her term in office as Highland Youth Convener to local authority's education committee.
Caitlyn has previously worked as an assistant youth worker in Tain with High Life Highland for three years. She participated in the High Life Highland leadership programme and is an assistant Cub Scout leader. She has also completed a BA in Child and Youth Studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Her first priority focused on increasing and encouraging participation amongst young people. To inspire young people into speaking with her on what they feel strongly about, she visited various locations including schools and youth forums to have face-to-face conversations.
She also embarked on a roadshow travelling to the nine community planning partnership areas, covering the wide geography of the region.
Raising the profile of the Highland Youth Convener role was her second priority and she decided the best way to achieve this would be to showcase what the position involves through her social media presence.
She planned and created fun and engaging social media content on Facebook and Instagram to attract the attention of young people on the platforms.
Caitlyn’s final and important priority in her role was to support young people in the awareness of mental health services available. Promoting the charities and resources available in Highland for young people to access for support were a main focus in her discussions throughout the year.
She said: “I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout the year and had taken the time to speak to me. Being able to make so many wonderful connections with groups and working with other young people has been amazing. This time last year when I applied for this role, I said to myself ‘just go for it because you never know unless you try’.
"It is safe to say now that I am glad I did. I have absolutely loved being the Highland Youth Convener and it is an experience that I will always remember. I wish my successor all the best and I hope they receive the same support that I have been given during my term.”
Education chair, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “The Highland Youth Convener is a one-year term, and it is evident that Caitlyn has made use of every single minute while in her role. She has been working very hard to create opportunities for our young people to have their voices heard. I would like to thank her for all she has done for young people across Highland and I wish her the very best in her future career.”
High Life Highland’s chief executive, Steve Walsh said: “Caitlyn has done an outstanding job in the post of Highland Youth Convener. She should be justifiably proud of what she has achieved in representing young people from all parts of the Highlands. One of her final roles will be at the forthcoming Highland Youth Parliament Conference later this month, before she moves on and everyone at High Life Highland wishes her all the very best for her future.”
Caitlyn has recently been busy preparing for the upcoming Highland Youth Parliament annual conference which has the theme of Education for this year. The event will take place on June 23 at Canal Park in Inverness.
