Learning Disability Wales supported Georgia Miggins to be a Welsh Youth Parliament Member from January 2022 to December 2023. We asked Georgia about her experience and her advice to other young people thinking about becoming a Welsh Youth Parliament Member.
Why did you apply to be a Welsh Youth Parliament Member?
As a disabled and neurodivergent person, I always saw the injustice and challenges we faced and knew I had to do something. I wanted to make a positive change so when I saw the application to become a Welsh Youth Parliament Member, supported by Learning Disability Wales, I knew this was the perfect opportunity.
When I found out I had been successful, I wanted to take the opportunity to raise awareness of the issues and challenges that disabled people face every day. I wanted to speak about things like girls and women who are neurodivergent and disabled, and how it affects them. I also wanted to shine a light on mental health and amplify the voices of disabled people from marginalised communities.
It has been so important for me that other disabled and neurodivergent people, especially girls and women, could look at me and think, “If she’s neurodivergent and disabled, and she can be a Welsh Youth Parliament Member, then maybe I can too”. Disabled and neurodivergent people need to see themselves represented in political spaces and get their voices heard.
What was it like being a Welsh Youth Parliament Member?
I got to experience amazing things that I would never have dreamt of! I met so many incredible people and made friends and memories that I will cherish for life.
One of the best things was making my 90 second statement in the Senedd about people with a learning disability or autism being detained and mistreated in mental health hospitals, 40 years after the All Wales Strategy. It was a proud moment, and I felt like I made a real impact. I also took part in the Homes Not Hospitals protest outside the Senedd, organised by the Stolen Lives campaign, as I believe that people should be able to live in their local communities with the right support.
I was also interviewed by ITV News about autism and disability, which was a real “pinch me” moment. And I gave evidence alongside Zoe from Learning Disability Wales to the Children, Young People and Education Committee on my experiences as a pupil with additional needs in the Welsh education system. I even had the opportunity to meet the First Minister of Wales at the time, Mark Drakeford.
In November 2023, I took part in the Welsh Youth Parliament residential weekend in Cardiff Bay. I made so many incredible memories that weekend and really got to know the other Members – it was an experience I will never forget. More recently I was picked along with 6 other Members to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla as part of the Senedd’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
I experienced so many fantastic opportunities that have inspired me in all areas of my life. These experiences, memories and connections are things that I will remember forever.
What would you say to any disabled or autistic young person who might be thinking of applying to be a Welsh Youth Parliament Member in the future?
If you are worried about applying to become a Welsh Youth Parliament Member, don’t let fear stop you. It’s good to get out of your comfort zone sometimes, even if feels scary or hard. You have nothing to lose, and your application could lead to the most incredible experience of your life.
You will make so many friends and memories that will last a lifetime, but most importantly you will leave more confident in yourself and more comfortable in who you are as person.
I think the first most important advice I would give to any young person thinking of applying is to have a passion and a cause, whatever that may be. Enjoy yourself, be respectful, stay humble and try to learn from the perspectives of others. But don’t be afraid to be yourself and share your views on the things you are passionate about, even if they are different to others.
When I first joined the Welsh Youth Parliament I was so scared of speaking up in case I said the wrong thing. As an autistic and disabled person, I didn’t think somebody like me could fit in. I didn’t realise that I had a place in politics because I never saw myself represented but I knew I wanted to make a positive impact for disabled people, and I had to take the leap. I am now so much more confident and feel comfortable speaking up about injustices and social issues. I feel like I can now call myself a disability activist.
The teams at Welsh Youth Parliament and Learning Disability Wales really helped me develop my social skills and self-esteem, making me realise I deserve to have my voice heard and be involved in political issues. I feel so proud of all the things I achieved as a Welsh Youth Parliament Member. I’ve made so many friends and learnt so much through meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds.
I want to thank the Welsh Youth Parliament, Learning Disability Wales and my fellow Members for helping me to become more confident, allowing me to flourish and be my most authentic neurodivergent self. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today if it wasn’t for all your support, guidance and kindness. Thank you for making my time as a Welsh Youth Parliament Member unforgettable.
Find out more about the Welsh Youth Parliament on their website.
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