Years ago, getting your voice heard as a young person wasn't always easy.

Social media is increasingly helping to change all that, especially on worldwide issues such as climate change and Black Lives Matter.

George Holt speaking about the Dartford Young Conservatives

But what about getting things changed on your own doorstep? What then?

While Twitter, Instagram, Facebook - or whatever your chosen platform is - can help, there's another way. Politics.

Some young people will scoff, but others are signing up, eager to make a difference in their own communities.

One person who did just that got involved after feeling things were moving in the wrong direction.

George Holt, a 21-year-old parish councillor for the Longfield Village Ward, is now encouraging more young people to get involved with politics, whichever party they support.

The ex-Leigh Academy pupil has been a dedicated Conservative party member since he was 18 and is now chairman of Dartford Young Conservatives.

It is a grassroots group for those aged between 15 and 25. It is a democratic group and all their positions are elected.

They hold fundraisers and events, giving members the chance to network with each other and also meet with the leading figures of the party. They also help out with campaigning.

George, from Longfield, said: "I first joined the party not long after I started working but I got properly involved when I was 19 when I took part in the first set of elections in Dartford.

"When I joined, it was the summer of 2017 and we were just coming out of the election which was a really awkward one.

"The Conservatives won but they lost seats and Jeremy Corbyn's Labour party made a lot of gains and that sort of socialist threat to the country is still alive and well.

"So, I thought I would try and do my bit to help the Conservative party and there was the aspect that I was quite young and I didn't have a lot of people who shared my views.

"So it was nice to join the Young Conservatives and meet some more people who I could speak to about my views."

George believes in striving to do what is best in his local area, whether that be securing some sort of service or ensuring everyone has the best experience in Longfield.

He also has a full-time job as a software developer. He added: "The reason I am so keen on this stuff is because I'm very enthusiastic about people having individual freedoms without the state infringing on that too much.

"I never did politics at school and I wouldn't say my mum and dad are politically active either; they vote but they aren't political people.

"But it is something I always thought was important to follow. The most important thing to do is to realise what your views are, where you stand on important issues.

"Once you realise that, it should become quite easy to find a political party which aligns to your views.

"If you want to get involved, join a party and see what you can do from the inside. I did that at 18 and it gave me a voice. I haven't regretted that at all.

"To me, politics is about being able to improve the lives of anyone you can, making a meaningful difference and leaving things in a better state than you found them.

"It's too easy to sit back and complain that you disagree with the direction of so and so; I'd much rather take action and do something about it.

"Being elected to the local Parish Council was quite a big milestone. I've been able to offer my voice on what I think we can do to improve our area and listen to the concerns of my community.

"I'm really proud of the work we've done, such as supporting businesses across Longfield and New Barn during the height of the pandemic and beginning construction of a fully-refurbished hall for the community and more."

There is no age restriction to joining a political party but George suggests that becoming involved when you are around 17 is the best option.

He said: "Join whenever you feel ready, don't ever join a party because you feel you should or because your parents and friends are in it.

"If you feel that you align to a party's beliefs and you feel that you can make a difference, go and join!

"If you want to get involved, there is only one word and that is persistence. Once you join get in touch with anyone you can so you can help out.

"Follow the advice of Nike and 'Just Do It!' You just need to take that step, even if that is emailing a politician or journalist you know.

"And once you have taken that step, everything else just becomes easier."

If you would like to speak with George or ask him any questions email him at geoholt1999@gmail.com

If you are interested in joining the Dartford Young Conservatives click here: https://membership.conservatives.com/Membership/Levels

To learn more about politics and young people you can also visit, Dartford Youth Council at dartfordyouthcouncil.com, Medway Youth Council at www.medwayyouthcouncil.co.uk or find out about Gravesham's Youth Council at www.gravesham.gov.uk

• Other groups were invited to take part but did not respond to our requests.

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