A Belfast youth forum has met with senior Government officials to lobby on a series of issues prevalent among young people in Northern Ireland.

Poverty, mental health, diversity, and relationship and sexual health education were high on the agenda during Tuesday's discussions. The group of youths brought the matters to the attention of The Executive Office and Departments for Communities, Infrastructure, Education and Economy.

The Belfast City Council Youth Forum represents young people's voices and lobbies decision makers on important issues among their demographic.

Officials were urged to make a commitment to take their opinions on board when developing policies and actions to tackle poverty. The meeting coincided with the United Nations' International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Forum Chair John Jo McGrady said the discussion was a brilliant opportunity for young people to highlight poverty and inequality with the region's decision makers.

"Growing inequality affects young people's lives every day, this meeting will let us discuss the problems this causes; we are also going to offer the decision makers solutions on how young people think inequality can be addressed," Mr McGrady commented.

Department for Communities Permanent Secretary, Tracy Meharg added: "I look forward to further engagement with our young people as we work to develop new strategies to help tackle poverty, ensuring families and young people have the incomes to support their households' and wider needs of the community."



(JG/CM)