Published Wednesday 1 December 2021 at 17:18
Did you know in Blackburn with Darwen we are home to one of the youngest populations in Europe?
This translates into energy and ambition that will drive a new city to success according to its supporters.
Blackburn is home to some of the best schools in the country – opening up incredible opportunities for our young people and indeed being a destination for educational excellence.
So many organisations, businesses and individuals have spoken out publically to talk about why they are backing Blackburn’s bid for City Status.
They believe the town’s unique strengths and spirit, especially how its diverse communities work together, places it in a powerful position to be successful in bidding for City Status.
The Government have invited all local authorities to take part in a national competition to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Blackburn with Darwen’s Deputy Youth MP for the last 18 months, Muhammed Bapu, set up and chairs a Strategic Youth Alliance Forum where young people from across BwD youth organisations meet monthly to discuss and debate issues relevant to them. Muhammed was voted One Voice Young Person of the Year 2021 for his commitment to improving the lives of children and young people in the borough.
Youth MP Muhammed Bapu said: “I’m supporting the city bid because as one of the Youth MP’s for Blackburn I get to see on a daily basis the impact that each member of the community has on each other in the most positive way and the strength and unity of Blackburn as a whole.
“You get to see how everyone impacts on each other and it really means you feel that sense of community.”
Blackburn Children’s University is a charity that works in partnership with schools to develop a love of learning in children. Encouraging and celebrating participation in extra-curricular activities in and outside of school, the impact of these activities is proven to be positive, helping to create a level playing field of opportunity and opening up access to children of all backgrounds in our borough.
Blackburn Children’s University manager Sara Burton said: “We’ve so many young people in our town and that creates a lot of positive energy and ambition, city status would be a great boost for the next generation.
“It will help to raise aspirations of our school pupils for generations to come.”
Star Academies’ Chief Executive Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE said: “Star Academies are passionate about the next generation in Blackburn, and I’m excited about the prospects city status could bring for our young people. I hope everyone will join us in #BackingBlackburn.”
Blackburn has a large, diverse Scouting network for young people from 4-18 bringing people and communities together, developing the skills they need to succeed, such as teamwork, leadership and resilience.
Blackburn Scouts Chairman, Stuart Parker said: “Blackburn Scouts are proud to support Blackburn’s bid for city status and be part of #BackingBlackburn.
“Blackburn has a thriving voluntary youth work sector and city status will bring more opportunities for our young people now and in the future.
“We hope everyone in the town will get behind the bid.”