Young people in Belfast will have a direct input into city council policies following the launch of a youth forum.
Consisting of up to 40 young people, it will act as an advisory panel to councillors on policies and services affecting children and young people.
Each party will appoint a councillor to meet youth groups regularly, discussing issues from bullying to gym equipment.
The launch comes during Local Democracy Week which helps 11 to 26-year-olds become involved in decision-making.
Chris Quinn, the council's Children and Young People co-ordinator who pulled the forum together said approval was granted for the move last June.
"The idea is to encourage young people to get more involved in making policies which are relevant to their lives. It is also part of the council's key priorities to improve services to young people," he said.
Future
"This year's campaign is to raise awareness of local government, the importance of local authorities, the wealth of their service and their role within society, amongst young people.
"The involvement in young people in setting up the forum is crucial after all it is their route to having their voices heard."
Young people unveiled their vision of the ideal local politician on Wednesday night during an event at the City Hall to highlight the youth forum.
Belfast Lord Mayor Wallace Browne, who attended the event, said: "Young people are the future and it is important to engage with them as early as possible.
"People are also more likely to respond when they have had some input into policies and the youth forum offers the right opportunity for young people to let local politicians know what they want to see happen.
"Putting the youth forum in place is part of the council's corporate priorities and I look forward to it being up and running and to the ideas that emerge from it."
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