HGS Student Stands for Birmingham Youth Parliament
Everyone at King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School is incredibly proud that one of our Sixth Form students, Haleemah Begum, is standing as a candidate to represent Birmingham in the UK Youth Parliament.
Being a Youth Parliament candidate is a significant achievement. It demonstrates leadership, commitment to public service and a determination to make a positive difference for young people across Birmingham.
The election is an important opportunity for young people aged 11–18 to play an active role in democracy. By voting, they can influence who represents their views and help shape discussions about the future of Birmingham. It is a valuable reminder that every young person has a voice and that their opinions can help shape their local community.
Haleemah’s campaign focuses on improving opportunities and support for young people, particularly in relation to mental health. Her manifesto is centred around three key priorities:
- Giving young people a greater voice in mental health, including youth mental health panels, school ambassadors and more accessible counselling.
- Reducing stigma and preventing harm through mentoring, youth engagement and restorative approaches that help create safer communities.
- Protecting youth spaces by campaigning for greater investment in community and green spaces where young people can socialise, develop skills and access new opportunities.
As Haleemah explains in her manifesto:
“Young people deserve more than being listened to after a crisis — they deserve to help create the solutions.”
We commend Haleemah for putting herself forward and for representing Handsworth Grammar School with such passion and ambition. We encourage all eligible young people aged 11–18 to read all the candidates’ manifestos, consider the issues that matter most to them and make sure they cast their vote.
If, after considering the candidates, those eligible to vote choose to support Haleemah, she is Candidate 29 on the voting form which can be accessed here: https://forms.office.com/e/qBXjEp6kZM. The closing date for votes to be made by is 4th August 2026.
We wish Haleemah every success in the election and thank her for being such a positive ambassador for our school.
Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Birmingham.
