Glasgow MSYPs – Anniesland – Beau Johnston

HI’m student at The University of Glasgow studying Scots Law and French. I have been a Member of Scottish Youth Parliament since November 2021. In March 2022, I was elected as the convener of the Health and Wellbeing Committee. Subsequently, I was elected as a Trustee of Scottish Youth Parliament in March 2023. Recently, I was fortunate enough to be re-elected into the role of trustee.

Outside of Scottish Youth Parliament, I work as a waitress. I also enjoy dancing, writing music, photography, surfing and spending time with my family and my dog.

There are two main reasons I wanted to become a Member of Scottish Youth Parliament.

The first is because I was really passionate about creating positive change for young people, but never properly understood how to do this. I hoped that Scottish Youth Parliament would allow me to advocate for the views of young people and fight for those who are frequently ignored.

The second is because I have had a brain tumour from a very young age and as a result of this my mum has been involved in a lot of charity work and campaigning. I always really admired her for it and wanted to follow in her footsteps by advocating for increased education of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancers. I also wanted to highlight the experiences of children and young people with cancer.

What do you want to achieve as an MSYP 

I want to ensure that young people in my constituency and across the nation are involved in decisions that relate to them and their life, as is their right under article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

I would also like to specifically ensure that the mental health and youth work services that young people have accces to meet their needs and are adequately funded.

My final priority will be focusing on our campaign priorities and advocating for the policy calls that they produce. Specifically, the campaign of ending gender-based violence. This is unfortunately an issue that is far too prevalent and so many young people are affected by it.  

What are three important issues you’re passionate about? 

Ending gender-based violence- this is an issue that affects so many people, including me and my peers, and is something that is the horrible reality of so many young women and girls. I really want to use the time I have as a Member of Scottish Youth Parliament to try improve the situation and create a place for young people to feed into the policy decisions and conversation surrounding this issue.

Human rights and equalities- I have been involved in campaigning for the incorporation of the UNCRC into domestic law as have many other young people and organisations. Now that the UNCRC Act is in force, the rights of children and young people will hopefully drastically improve, however, this is dependent on proper implementation of the UNCRC Act across Scotland. It also relies on children and young people, as well as lawyers, being educated on the rights this act will agive young people and how it can be used to protect them. I would love to campaign for this implementation and education during my time as a Member of Scottish Youth Parliament.

Health and Wellbeing- young people desperately need improved mental health support as poor mental health is becoming increasingly prevalent amongst young people. This support can come in many forms whether it is through hospitals and GPs, community mental health support or youth work. I want to advocate for increased funding in this area and ensure that there is adequate signposting of these resources. I would also like to advocate for increased education of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancers as they vary from those of adult cancers.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself 

I am the singer in an indie rock band called Low Tide!