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Creative ways to engage more local people into democracy and the work of local government are set to be discussed at a meeting of South Tyneside's Borough Council on Thursday (9 March).

Democracy: A Year of Action is a new campaign aimed at helping to raise awareness of Â鶹ÊÓƵ - what it does and how it works - while encouraging local communities to get more involved in the democratic process, local decision-making and have their say in local elections.

Under the programme, the Council will build on wider awareness campaigns to help promote a greater understanding of the different roles of committees and elected members all year round, as well as continue to support the younger generation to learn about voting and democracy, through methods including School Councils and South Tyneside's Young People's Parliament.

Councillor Joanne Bell, Lead Member for Governance, Finance and Corporate Services, said: "We have always been a strong supporter of annual campaigns such as National and Local democracy weeks to help people get a better understanding of what democracy really means and how it affects their everyday lives.

"Though this new programme, we are raising awareness well beyond the former traditional 'democracy week' activities and taking every opportunity we can to bring democracy to life and promote a greater interest in all the different aspects of democracy and voting, all year round.

"This ranges from how residents can get involved through the Borough's Community Area Forums which consider issues of local interest, to how they can have their say in who represents them by voting in the Local Elections, or even consider a position in office themselves.

"It is also incredibly important that we continue to involve our children and young people to explore the ideas that underpin democracy in fun, creative and interactive ways. After all, they are the voters of tomorrow. They are our future, and it is important that their voices are heard.

"We are always looking at how we can increase participation by finding new ways of challenging people into thinking more about how democracy works and the major role it plays in our communities and in all our lives.

This new campaign outlines how we plan to do this."

The meeting of Borough Council is taking place on Thursday 9 March,at6pm,inSouth Shields Town Hall.

Meetings of Borough Council are livestreamed on the Council's YouTube channel at giving members of the public the opportunity to 'attend' if not in person, and supporting the Council's efforts to engage with wider audiences as much as possible.

For further information about how to get involved in local democracy, contact Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Democratic Services Team on (0191) 427 7000or email democratic.services@southtyneside.gov.uk