Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams is now recruiting young people in the borough to participate in her eleventh annual summer school programme.

Since 2014, Ms Abrahams has run a two-week summer programme for young people, called Working for Your Community, which helps to develop their understanding and experience of civic duty, public service and how to work for the benefit of their communities.

Ms Abrahams said: “All year-round I receive requests from young people who are interested in valuable work experience in an MP’s office. We can accommodate some, but unfortunately it just isn’t possible to offer placements to them all.

"So, to try and give as many young people as possible from Oldham and Saddleworth valuable work experience, I will be running my annual Working for your Community summer school for 16 to 24-year-olds between Monday 15th July and Friday 26th July, 2024.

“The aim is to help participants understand what politics is about, how it affects so much around us and how they can develop skills to bring change in their communities. The key skills they’ll learn about will stand them in good stead for both future involvement in politics and community-based work.”

Applicants who get on the course will spend the first week developing their understanding of politics and learning new community development skills, honing their campaigning capabilities and participating in expert-led workshops in community development, communications, and politics.

The participants will also get to visit Westminster, where they will meet politicians, advisors and other special guests.

The second week of the programme will see the participants choose placements in Oldham and Saddleworth with community organisations to further equip them with experience-based skills.

Last year’s sessions were delivered by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Labour MP Nadia Whittome, government minister Tom Tugendhat MP and Politco journalist Dan Bloom.

Former summer school participant Tahmina who, at the time was looking forward to starting her degree in Rehabilitation Studies, said: “I benefited a lot from this course and I got to explore what politicians do for us regarding the local community.

"It’s not just about meetings in Parliament, it’s also about getting involved with local and small agencies which help the rest of the community.”

Those looking to register their interest in the summer school should send a letter of application with a curriculum vitae by email to abrahamsd@parliament.uk.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Tuesday, June 18.