The biggest ever online survey of young people aged between 12 and 25 in the Falkirk Council area is starting this week (Friday 16 March).

#Itbeginswithus will look at how and if young people want to engage with the Council and aims to improve how the Council can help young people have their views heard and acted upon.

Anyone who lives in the Falkirk Council area in the set age group can take part in the survey. The survey can be accessed at www.falkirk.gov.uk/itbeginswithus and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Participants can enter a prize draw to win four £50 Amazon vouchers.

Pupils from Larbert High showcased their talents in a promotional video for the survey. Lucas Laing (S5), Erin Lake (S5), Hayley Yorsten (S3) and Robbie Kewel (S2) were chosen to star in the short video which will be used to promote the survey on social media.

The survey will include questions related to:

• which services out of a range of options they would like to help influence including education, transport and mental health
• how much power they feel they have over decisions made by the Council
• what types of engagement activities they are most interested in participating in such as the youth council and online surveys
• if there are any barriers preventing young people from engagement activities

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council said: “This quick and easy survey is a fantastic way to get young people involved in their community. It is really important that we get the next generation’s views on board to understand what really matters to them.

“As 2018 is the Year of Young People, it is more crucial than ever to celebrate Falkirk’s young people and give them the opportunity to have their say on decisions that will affect their futures.”

The survey launches during an important year for Scotland’s Young people. As part of the Scottish Government’s programme of themed years, 2018 was declared the Year of Young People.

The Year of Young People is a year-long initiative which aims to give young people a stronger voice on issues which affect their lives, create a more positive perception of young people within society and showcase their ideas and talents.