On Thursday 6 November, Rachael Maskell MP visited United Response’s education learners at their creative hub in York. During her visit, Ms Maskell learned about the learners’ projects and offered guidance and encouragement as they prepared to run their own mock election.
The mock election forms part of their citizenship sessions, which promote British Values. The learners are currently undertaking a study programme funded by York Learning, the adult education provider of City of York Council.
United Response supports people in York with learning disabilities, autistic people, and people with mental health needs. The charity helps individuals with day-to-day living, developing skills for employment, and taking part in support groups and community activities.
Rachael Maskell MP says:
“It was fantastic to meet such an inspiring group of people in our city. I was so impressed by the way these students engaged with politics, and I am looking forward to hearing about what they achieve in the future. It is so important for me to hear the views of young people from right across the city, and I was impressed with their passion for the complex challenges facing us today.
“United Response provides vital support to help with day-to-day living but also helps to instil confidence in students. It was clear to me from this meeting the impact that their work is having.”
Lilly Sullivan, Learner at United Response says:
“Rachael Maskell’s visit was really informative and interactive. I liked that she answered all our questions and made everyone feel included. She was especially inspiring when talking about her experiences as a female MP.”
Andy Bowen, Education Job Coach at United Response says:
“As their tutor, I was really impressed with how confidently the learners engaged with Ms Maskell. They asked insightful questions about women in politics and how young people can get involved in shaping the future of our democracy. The discussion was lively, thoughtful, and showed just how much the learners have grown in confidence and understanding through their studies.”
“As their tutor, I was really impressed with how confidently the learners engaged with Ms Maskell. They asked insightful questions about women in politics and how young people can get involved in shaping the future of our democracy. The discussion was lively, thoughtful, and showed just how much the learners have grown in confidence and understanding through their studies.”
This article was published by York Press on Saturday 15 November