The founder of a Black Country youth organisation has said young people want to be listened to and give opportunities rather than just being used in election time announcements.

Rob Smith, founder of KIC (Kids In Communication) ‘Youth Voices Matter’ said he was ‘not convinced’ by Rishi Sunak’s plan for national service or Sir Keir Starmer’s vow to give the vote to 16-year-olds.

Mr Smith is currently preparing for the relaunch of KIC, to be based in Walsall, which will look to highlight and address issues young people face as well as providing opportunities for them to explore radio.

Having received National Lottery funding, KIC’s 40ft yellow trailer has been renovated into a state of the art creative space for young people featuring radio and television studios along with an outdoor stage which can be used for live events.

A recruitment event will be held at Ormiston Shelfield Academy in Broad Way, Pelsall, Walsall on June 10 from 5pm where young people can meet the team and find out about opportunities available ahead of the summer launch. Mr Smith said:

“Running a youth organisation for 25 years has been the proudest achievement of my working life. It has been an uphill struggle to persuade funders to invest in young people. So, set against this background, my scepticism levels are raised when elections are called.

“Is Rishi Sunak politicising young people to appease the elder voting Tories who see them as troublemakers? Is Sir Keir Starmer capitalising on a perception that young people want a vote in order to future proof votes?

“These arguments re-surface at election times, however, do they actually benefit young people and will they actually be deliverable? Did they consult young people or presume?

“I believe the truth lies somewhere in between. Young people do want opportunities to invest in their communities and they also want to be listened to.

“Conscription? Votes for 16 year olds? Not convinced. But opportunities delivered by youth organisations, business and Government working together could play a major role in reshaping the untapped resource that is young people.

“As always, lets see which party makes a firm, funded commitment with achievable time scales to deliver for the youth of the UK.”

KIC formed in the late 1990s as a youth radio platform and has since then gone on to work with over 25,000 young people across the country. James Levett, former volunteer and station co ordinator said:

“Bringing KIC back as a radio platform will play a huge part in voicing how young people feel in an ever changing climate.

“We’re super excited to be working with the guys at Shelfield Academy in Walsall which shall be the new home to our famous yellow trailer.”

Anyone interested in the recruitment day and KIC Radio relaunch can contact james@kicfm.com for more information.