Kirklees Council is marking Local Democracy Week 2023 by helping celebrate people who make a difference in their local communities.

Local Democracy Week (October 9-15) aims to help more people get involved in their community, to learn about local democracy and to have a voice in the decisions that matter.

A series of activities are taking place across Kirklees throughout October.

The programme highlights the latest events from some of the ongoing ‘How Good Is Our Place?” activities.

These involve communities learning what matters most to people about life in their local area and acting together on the changes that people want to see. The council’s Democracy Service supports these activities in local places throughout the year.

Clr Cathy Scott, leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet lead for democracy, said: “Local Democracy Week is one way of recognising the difference that people are making every day in their community.

“By enabling more people to get involved in shaping their local place, we can grow stronger neighbourhoods and communities.

“In challenging times, it really matters for people’s wellbeing and sense of influence that we keep on working to create a stronger local democracy, which more people are actively participating in.

“Everyone who takes a few minutes to share their experiences will be helping us understand what would help more people to get involved.”

Community-led events include ‘Marsden of the Future’ on October 17 from 7pm at Marsden Mechanics. Organised by Marsden Community Trust, this event will introduce the next chapter in the exciting story of how Marsden people are shaping their own place.

There are helpful sessions and networking opportunities on offer for community groups, organised by local charity TSL Kirklees.

Activities for young citizens are also taking place, as part of the Democracy Friendly Schools programme. This free programme, run by Kirklees Council and open to all schools in Kirklees, supports children and young people to learn about – and get involved in – local democracy and civic life.

The Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Cahal Burke, is inviting primary schools to a special ‘Meet the Mayor’ event on October 26 from 10am to 11am at Dewsbury Town Hall.

Council staff are also being encouraged to participate in new training about working with councillors, to volunteer with local groups, and to talk with citizens about what helps people to get involved in shaping their local place.

Anyone who is interested in taking part can find the Local Democracy Week programme at www.DemocracyCommission.org.uk or via @kirkdemocracy on X (formerly Twitter).