Who are BBC Generation 2016 in Wales?

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Generation Wales

Fifty young people have been selected to take part in the BBC Generation 2016 project ahead of the Welsh Assembly elections on 5 May.

They represent a cross-section of 18 to 25-year-olds in Wales and will be involved in debates and discussions in BBC coverage of the election.

These youngsters are from a diverse range of backgrounds and communities.

They'll appear across BBC output to talk about issues that affect them, or more broadly about their lives in 2016.

Here you'll find the whole group, introducing themselves to the nation in their own words.

Join the conversation with @BBCGen2016, external and find out more at bbc.co.uk/generation2016.

Ali Al Hassan, 22, Cardiff

I'm a Muslim final year dentistry student. I like to think of myself as an all-rounder, I love my sports, my studies and my faith. My current political views are anti-austerity. On the side, I run a small gaming YouTube channel. My passion is technology whether in the dental setting or elsewhere - give me any gadget and I'm all over it!

Michael Ali, 21, Cardiff

I grew up and live in Cardiff and I graduated from the University of the West of England in the summer of 2015 with a degree in criminology. I am a strong believer in renewable energy and trying to combat the effects of climate change as soon as we possibly can. I believe climate change is the most important challenge our generation will face; it will affect the whole world and, more importantly, not only our species but every other living species on the planet.

On a more personal level, I am also interested in health and social care. I was in care from the ages of eight to 18 and the cuts that local authorities have had to endure and continue to endure worry me greatly as they affect the lives of many already disadvantaged children.

Alexandra Atkins, 20, Swansea

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I am the main carer for both my parents, and a full-time third year student at UWTSD Carmarthen studying youth and community work. This degree has supported my practice as I have two part-time jobs working with ethnic minority young people, young people with disabilities, and young adult carers. This work has enabled me to have a wider understanding of young people's needs and the barriers affecting their lives.

I am the vice-chair of the Campaign for the Children and Young People's Assembly for Wales. This role has made me passionate for young people to have a voice and a say on issues that affect them. I have a keen interest in provision for young people and mental health issues.

Sophie Barnes, 21, Cardiff

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I am in my final year at Cardiff University and on placement at a Cardiff Secondary School, hoping to become a teacher. I see the demanding pressures put on teachers with the changing curriculum across Wales. More support is needed for this profession and the next generation. My constituency has one of the highest proportions of students, but I am within the minority that actually chooses to vote. Issues students face going into the "real" world are pushed aside because stereotype suggests that we only ever get drunk and it is easily forgotten that we are here to study for a degree.

I am also concerned that pensioners who have contributed so much to the economy can be ignored and there needs increased investment in sheltered accommodation, with a daily visiting warden and recreational and stimulating activities. Finally, as a child of MoD parents, it concerns me that Wales is not represented with a defence minister within the Welsh Assembly.

Harriet Boughey, 19, Swansea

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I'm an acting student with a passion for theatre and performance, and a desire to make it more accessible to all. Politically, I'm relatively neutral; I don't necessarily associate myself with one specific party. I, of course, have opinions on various issues, but I struggle to really relate to just one party.

Michael Broad, 20, Cardiff

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I'm studying social policy at London School of Economics. I'm passionate about poverty reduction, social justice and LGBT+ rights. Coming from a working-class background, I've been brought up having a firm awareness of the manifestation of inequality within our society. My interest in politics stems from the realisation that vulnerable groups are unjustly labelled as "lazy" or "benefit scroungers". They become a scapegoat, resulting in a lack of investment into social mobility opportunities. We need to be supporting the poorest and vulnerable in society. This can only be done through investment in public services and a strong stance against austerity.

People feel disillusioned with mainstream politics. In this election, I'd like to see stronger bottom-up community engagement. Democracy is the idea that everybody can have a say in making a world that they feel is right. Yet, politicians currently seem too guarded away in an elite tower.

Rhodri Burnett, 18, Carmarthen

I was born in Brixton, but have lived near Carmarthen for the majority of my life. I am currently studying for my A levels, which are English, history and Welsh, and the Welsh Baccalaureate. I am looking to go to university in September. My main hobby is music; I play piano and have taught myself the guitar. I am looking to go to university in an exciting environment in September. My main hobby is music; I play piano and have taught myself the guitar. Benjamin Disraeli, Keir Hardie and John Lennon are amongst the influences that shape my opinions.

Ellie Connor, 20, Swansea

I love shopping and eating out and spending time with my friends and family. I'm currently studying modern history and politics at Cardiff University, which gives me a good understanding of how policies can affect the people. I think everyday life and coming from a hardworking background have a big impact on my opinions.

Gwion Rhys Dafydd, 21, Aberystwyth

I'm originally from Pembrokeshire. I graduated last year from Aberystwyth University and am now working in the sales and marketing department at the Welsh Books Council.

My interest in politics stems from my passion for Wales, the environment and a just society where people are treated equally no matter their background or wealth. I believe in a government that's accountable to the people who live and work here with a sustainable and progressive outlook. I hope see Wales as a fully sovereign nation, and in this election it will be interesting to hear the vision each party has for Wales's future.

Siôn Davies, 18, Llanelli

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I'm from Llanelli in South Wales - a town famous for its proud industrial heritage including the coal-mining, tinplate and steelworks industries as well as, of course, being the hometown of Wales' greatest rugby team, the Scarlets! Although in fairness, my opinion may be a little biased.

I'm the president of Coleg Sir Gâr Students' Union as well as being a full-time student at the college. I like to consider myself a proud Welshman, having taught myself to speak Welsh during the summer holidays before moving up to college. I have a big interest in US politics and I look forward to seeing the development of the campaigns for the Democratic and Republican nominations for President of the United States. I'm also very interested in European politics and will be looking forward to the upcoming referendum on membership of the EU.

Theo Davies-Lewis, 18, Llanelli

Image source, Henry Kenyon Photography

I want a Wales which isn't dogmatic, narrow-minded or blinded by its past. Through articles published by national and regional outlets, organising and chairing my own broadcast Question Time-style debate, as well as appearing on shows such as Sharp End (ITV), Heno (S4C) and BBC Radio Wales; I have attempted to engage more young people in politics to make a difference. Also, having been educated independently, subsequently gaining a place at Oxford University; I understand how the state education system in Wales is failing and the abysmal state of Welsh universities. I have volunteered with heritage organisations and witnessed the impacts of austerity on services, in addition to observing the ailing nature of Welsh media with frustration. As someone who aims to enter broadcasting, I want to question the politicians, as I have done so previously, on these issues to decide which party has the best vision for our country.

Tomos Day, 19, Newtown

I study politics and history at Aberystwyth University with a focus on European Union politics and Welsh Devolution. I became interested in Welsh politics because I'm interested how devolution can deliver what's best for Wales. At university I spend a lot of time being critical of the Welsh government's handling of Wales in a wide range of areas, rural affairs being one of them.

Poppy Evans, 19, Carmarthenshire

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I am currently a law student at Aberystwyth University. I first became involved in politics when I chose to study the subject at school as I was and still am very passionate about humanitarian issues and wanted to learn more about the influence politics had on these issues. I feel very passionate about the importance of education in society and the challenges individuals face under our current system.

I now hold a number of student representation roles for various education institutes and organisations such as Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and the NUS. When I am not studying I love representing as I believe all voices should be heard. There are individuals going through our education system every day facing a number of challenges that are not met with solutions and the results are unacceptable. I believe our education system could do a lot more to cater for student's needs, especially for the students from poorer or disabled backgrounds.

Lizzy Fauvel, 22, Porthcawl

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I am a massive Welsh Rugby fan, and try to get to all games played at the Millennium Stadium. I also have a little bit of an obsession with crime shows, Law and Order: SVU and How to get away with Murder. On a typical Friday night I will be watching Googlebox, Alan Carr Chatty Man and the Graham Norton show - I know, I have a crazy lifestyle.

I was never interested in politics until I finished university, started work and began realizing how much the decisions made by people I had never met really affect me and my family. I don't know a lot about the system, but I know that with political education young people can stand together and make a change. I deliver workshops to young people in a fun and interactive way to show them the power we could have if we did all go out and just register, not even vote! My family are not political nor are any of my friends so the only people who I talk to about it are my social media followers.

Nathan Friend, 18, Monmouth

Born in England, I was brought up in Monmouth, Wales. I consider myself to be British through and through. Then I am a Welshman, Cymru am byth. Then I'm a citizen of the commonwealth. Lastly, I'm European. I love Europe; I just don't think we need to be ruled by faceless, statist, unelected bureaucrats in Brussels. I trained as an actor for ten years until I decided to pursue law. I play rugby to unwind when I'm not at sixth form or working at a local Bangladeshi restaurant. This is not an eccentric statement on sports, drama and curry; I work and play with people from all walks of life. I've learnt that irrespective of whom someone is, all they want is to be left alone. All they want is the freedom "to". I am a libertarian; devoted to limited government, free trade and individual liberty. Don't tread on me.

Susannah Gale, 22, Cardiff

I am a member of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. In my experience, the media and arts act as the strongest form of social communication and have a huge influence on the ambitions and lifestyle of my generation. I have a strong interest in rehabilitation and the need to support ex-offenders. I also believe in the decriminalization of drug and alcohol offences. I am a part of a generation that is somewhat renowned for resorting to drink and drug use as a coping mechanism to deal with a society in which they have become disengaged and are often voiceless. I am motivated to tackle this and other societal issues in the hope of bringing humility and empathy back to politics.

Amy Gaskin, 18, Swansea

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I'm originally from a little town called Droitwich in Worcestershire, however I am currently in my first year studying for a degree in biology at Swansea University. Science, the environment, health, and education are all areas in politics I feel I can connect to my scientific background. As well as being a scientist, I decided to get involved in politics after the general election. I am pro-EU, and at university, I'm a member of the cross-party Students for Europe campaign. In addition, I love writing and speaking in the French language. In my spare time, I also am very passionate about playing the piano, reading, and spending lots of time with my spaniel.

Robert Green, 24, Cardiff

I believe that politicians need to change the way they engage people. Students have been doing it right for ages and now it's time politicians got to the local shops and started talking to people. Stop interrupting family time and make the effort to engage people in a comfortable environment for both them and local people, go to them rather than rather than expect them to read a leaflet. Also party politics just seems like point scoring. I worry that it is about parties beating each other rather than what's best for the country. When I was chair of Cardiff Youth Council I was more left wing and vice chair was right wing. However, we both had the same goal and got so much done, which brought up the question - do politicians want what's best for the country or their party?

Spencer Grennan, 21, Cardiff

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I grew up and still live in Ely, Cardiff. I am on the Uprising Leadership Programme Cymru Group, a six-month training programme where we get behind-the-scenes access to many government, public and corporate organisations. Through this I have attended many workshops to train in leadership and public speaking; this includes receiving one-to-one support with a coach and mentor. I have also honed my networking skills to help me find many interesting opportunities.

I am involved with many other organisations such as; Volunteering for the Cardiff Astronomical Society, where I have dressed up as Darth Vader at outreach events at the museum, and am taking part in many of the Prince's Trust programmes. I plan to volunteer abroad with the SAFE foundation in early May 2016. These opportunities have helped me to overcome the barrier of unemployment and to learn fresh skills to progress into a career or paid training.

Aimee Griffiths, 20, Merthyr Tydfil

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I'm training to be a primary school teacher at the University of South Wales. I was born and grew up in a Welsh Valleys town called Merthyr Tydfil. My aim is to improve the image of young people in the Valleys and to show we all have opinions and views on the way politics shape our lives. I also seek to improve the voice of young people in the Valleys and to involve everyone in the election in May. My views vary on the policies of each party but I am very interested in education polices as this will have an impact on my life in the future.

Joe Hawkins, 22, Barry

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I am a final year university student studying for a bachelor's degree in ICT. I have been politically active for six years, since the 2010 general election. Outside of politics, I love comics, movies, cop dramas, murder thriller novels and baking.

Jacob Heaton-Jones, 18, Dinas Powys

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I am a sixth form student and my interest in politics developed after taking it as an A level subject. Away from school, most of my time is occupied with music, playing guitar and watching films. I also love sport and am passionate about football. I am interested in a range of issues, with the challenges young people are faced with in 2016 and environmental conservation being two of the most important to me.

Nathan Ives, 22, Caerphilly

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I'm a part-time student and work full-time for a defence company as an apprentice electrical engineer. I'm currently on my third year of apprenticeship and wish to specialise in programmable logic controlling. I'd describe myself as energetic, caring and curious. I enjoy a wide range of activities, including martial arts, hiking, electronics and especially travelling. My opinion of the political system is somewhat cynical and reserved but I do hold hope for a younger generation of people who will one day be our political representatives.

Daniel Jones, 24, Port Talbot

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As a young person who has been homeless and has lived in poverty, and is on the verge of living in poverty all of the time, I would say that my opinions are a reflection of the social injustices that are happening all around the country.  I am influenced by the passion in my local community. Port Talbot is a passionate place, and its people are passionate about many things. However, the most passionate and diverse people I have ever met have been young people, younger than myself.

I'm also influenced by the support workers who provide services to the people in need in Port Talbot. Their struggle with government cuts, and the ability to still want to do their job is truly admirable. I am a politically aware person with a goal to help as many people as I can. I am a board member of a charity and volunteer for several different organisations, including Shelter Cymru. I plan to be an author one day and use this to help even more people.

Elfed Jones, 18, Gwynedd

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I study international politics at Aberystwyth University. I am originally from a farm in Trawsfynydd, Gwynedd, where my farther lives, and Penrhyndeudraeth where my mother lives. My hobbies include farming, politics, walking in the many mountains near our farm, Welsh language and history, and travelling. I came to study at Aberystwyth because I wanted to make a change in the world. I am a strong advocate for Welsh independence and for the further devolution of powers to the Welsh Assembly.

Mared Jones, 18, Caernarfon

I'm a first year student studying law at Bangor University. I hope to go on to do an LPC to become a practicing solicitor. The one thing I enjoy most in the world is football. I support Chelsea, Bangor (my local team) and of course Wales! This year is a big one for Wales with the football team going to France and the assembly election so I'm looking forward to it. I've always been interested in politics.

Mirjam Kaerma, 21, Cardiff

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I am an Estonian student at the University of South Wales studying music engineering. I do not believe in politics much. I think in nowadays world politicians are like someone's puppets/actors giving false promises: they tell what they have been paid to tell, they support what they have been paid to support. In many cases, it is not the in interest of people's wellbeing but all false promises given in order to gain money and power. As Churchill once said: "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others." It is the worst, yet we do not have something better.

Arooj Khan, 20, Cardiff

I study marine geography at Cardiff University and have an interest in policy, legislation and sustainable development. I am multi-lingual in four languages, including Welsh, which I find is important to my Welsh identity. My opinions are influenced by my personal experiences along with my religion (Islam) and education.

Luke Messaggiero, 23, Llanelli

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My main hobbies are acting and singing in theatre groups in Llanelli. I'm going to be blunt: politics never interested me. I believe this had to do with no one in my age group representing us and our opinions. However, the recent events in Syria have opened my eyes to what we can do to make our voices be heard. I realised that the town I live in was just a former shell of what it used to be so many years ago, with hardly any jobs being available as well as the only hospital we have in Llanelli now being referred to as just a "minor casualty clinic" and not being used to its full capacity.

Christina Mitchell, 22, Cardiff

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Much of my time is spent looking after my four-year-old daughter. I write stories, and I also love to sing, dance and read when I get the chance. I am only now starting to learn and understand a bit about politics because we didn't talk about it much at home when I was growing up, and we never did it at school.

Vincent Mullin, 19, Cardiff

I am a student at Cardiff University reading history and politics. I have lived in Cardiff since my university education began, but I am originally from Southampton. My views are mostly shaped by my experiences of economics, politics and the academic education system I have participated in. Although I strongly agree with the UK government's economic, home and foreign affairs policies, I have grievances over the social policy that they are pursuing such as the tax credit cuts and the bedroom tax. I have a bottom-up view of politics, where I believe the individual candidate is far more important than the party machine.

Mark Norton, 19, Llanelli

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I'm in my second year studying international politics and international history at Aberystwyth University. My modules mainly consist of political and international relations theories, war and security. I enjoy reading fiction. I would describe myself as an individualist and Eurosceptic. My interest in politics mainly comes from how ideological ideas influence and create political structures. I am most agreeable with democratic principles and representation.

Charlotte Phillips, 20, Ystradgynlais

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I'm married and living in a small village in South Wales. I work as a care assistant and I'm on the lifestyles team at my local nursing home. I would love to be more involved in the political process and will take this opportunity to learn more about what my vote counts for.

Becky Ricketts, 21, Carmarthen

I am from England, but I'm studying an undergraduate degree in education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Carmarthenshire. I enjoy reading, sports, fruit teas and travelling. I am open minded, enthusiastic, and always willing to take on a challenge. The state of education, healthcare and equal rights are all things that interest and affect me directly, and are things that I would like to see addressed in the near future.

My political stance is influenced purely by my own research and information, as well as conversing with those that have views both in line and differing from my own, as I believe it is healthy to interact with people who are different to you, whether it be by gender, race, political stance or others. I also believe that young people deserve more of a voice within politics.

Kieran Roberts, 21, Bridgend

I am a volunteer youth worker and IT tutor. I have been unemployed for about three years but have been volunteering for two already. I have suffered from mental illness since I was seven years old but attempts to get help have been a failure. I am also a job seeker but have experienced years of problems with the DWP, the collapse of my newly started business and worsening health. I am unable to pursue my career path due to my illness and my difficulties with the DWP.

On the positives, my youth work has shown me a great deal of new skills as well as having the support to learn new things and get support in my own personal development.

Lara Rowlands, 22, Bridgend

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I live with my three-year-old twin daughters. I am currently studying for an undergraduate degree in religious studies at the University of South Wales. I hope to apply for further study this year, in a subject related to human rights or global governance. Several aspects of everyday life influence my view on politics, the upcoming elections and general decision-making. This includes the welfare of my children, our health, education and being a young female.

Kate Seary, 19, Cardiff

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I attended Whitchurch High School but am now in my first year of studying history and political science at the University of Birmingham. My opinions and ideas of the world of politics and world affairs have mainly been stimulated by my study of politics at A level. I was the chair of my school council and part of Cardiff Youth Council.

I have a long-standing passion for athletics, which has led to international honours for Wales on over 20 occasions. I compete over 800m and 1500m on the track as well as cross country in the winter season. I have been taking particular interest in the current relationship between athletics and the political world with the numerous doping scandals that have dented the reputation of the sport.

Daniel Shenton, 17, Wrexham

I live in a town that seems to be getting a more restricted budget every year. My views have been shaped by this and it allows me to see the important services in a community and the unnecessary ones too. I have a passion for drama and theatre and I work as stage crew for a theatre. As this is a massive influence in my life it makes me upset to see it be considered as one of the first expendable activities within a struggling society.

Carmen Smith, 19, Bangor

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I am a Law LLB student at Bangor University. I have recently been elected as the next NUS Wales Deputy President for 2016/17. I am from Salisbury in Wiltshire, but have been brought up in both Ireland and Wales. The upcoming assembly elections are important to me as the outcome will effect not only the future of Wales as a nation, but it will influence the many futures of my generation. I will be looking out for policies around my key interest areas in the run up to the election.

My key interest areas include the following: education - protection of the WGLG and tuition fee support for Welsh students, transforming the curriculum to better represent students, and more support for student parents and carers in accessing education; women's rights - tackling the gender pay gap in Wales and empowering women into senior roles and positions; healthcare provision - shorter GP waiting times, quicker ambulance response times and lower care home fees; international affairs - support for asylum seekers and improving European Union relations for Wales.

Tom Spare, 24, Cardiff

I was brought up in South East England and currently live in Cardiff. I have worked in the higher education sector in Wales for the past year and a half. I studied politics at the University of Kent in Canterbury for three years which played a huge part in shaping my understanding of UK and world affairs. I entered into higher education at a time of great flux for the sector, being one of the last year groups to be on £3,500 fees. I have become an ardent supporter of university education and the merits it provides for our wider society. My passion for politics lies in its ability to surprise, enchant and infuriate me all at the same time.

Greg Thomas, 23, Builth Wells

I am a PhD Student at Aberystwyth University investigating the impact of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show on rural Wales. Born and bred in Builth Wells, I am passionate about rural Wales, and often frustrated by the way that the area is forgotten about by the Welsh government. I am concerned about the way the Welsh government has treated farmers in recent times, the rural economy, and the current cuts to public services. In the 2016 election, I want to see a change for Wales and for the country to see a new fresh thinking government, that places rural areas at the heart of its agenda.

Will Thomas, 20, Cowbridge

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I'm a second year studying history and international relations at the University of Exeter. I've always been interested in politics, but Welsh politics have always seemed quite dull, maybe because it lacks ambition and ideas. Despite Cowbridge being only 25 minutes away from Cardiff Bay, the Welsh government appears less familiar and less relevant to my life than the London government. However, if I and the rest of our generation continue to pay little attention to Welsh politics then we will not see much change, we will just allow the continuation of the inept and unambitious policies that have come to define the Welsh assembly.

Marc Tilley, 23, Cardiff

I was born in Algeria, raised in France and adopted into a British family before moving to the UK at the age of 10. After a year in Bristol, my family returned to Cardiff where both my parents had previously studied, and where I still currently live. After completing the International Baccalaureate, I read human rights law at Aberystwyth University with a view to one day working in European politics. Since becoming involved in party politics, I have become increasingly interested in political journalism and am now campaigning on youth engagement in politics and the refugee crisis, both issues very close to my heart.

I am an avid cyclist and enjoy racing, having become the junior Welsh Hill Climb Champion in 2012. I also enjoy running and hope to complete an ultra-marathon across the Moroccan Sahara next month.

Fergus Turtle, 18, Llangynog

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I am currently studying physics at the University of Surrey in Guildford. My first memory of politics is of the chaos of Gordon Brown's tenure and intently followed the 2010 election although only 13 at the time. I felt bitterly disappointed that the first past the post system skewered the result as I saw it reducing the liberal influence. I was also deeply saddened that the referendum on a very small amount of voting reform was defeated.

My political beliefs are probably best described as that of a social liberal (with emphasis on liberal). I believe that real problems are often overlooked and our politics rarely looks outside the box for solutions but that it is probably only a matter of time before single party government ends and politics is opened up to fresher and more helpful ideas.

Rebecca Waite, 19, Swansea

I'm a criminology student at Cardiff University. When I'm not studying, I'm often found reading or hanging out with my friends. I travel a lot and enjoy learning about the history of new places. I have had an interest in politics from a young age, due to watching the news, and I'm interested in how policies change. I'm a strong supporter of LGBT+ rights, due to having many friends who fall into the LGBT+ category. I also support bringing in refugees from other countries and agree with creating safer routes for asylum seekers and refugees.

Rowan Walsh, 22, Newport

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Most or all of my drive to take part in BBC Generation stems from personal, and unfortunately, negative experiences in the mental healthcare system; as well as the poor experiences of those I care about. I want to take every opportunity I can to work towards eradicating mental health stigma and campaign for better quality mental healthcare in Wales and the rest of the UK. I'm still very much going through problems of my own, but I hope that working with BBC Generation to talk about mental health on such a wide platform will benefit my progress towards recovery and turn my negative experiences into positive changes for other people like me.

Jonathan Windmill, 19, Cardiff

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I study at Aberystwyth University. I am currently studying international politics and economics (second year) and I am fortunate to be studying in one of the greatest departments in the world. I also work for the Principality Stadium during events, such as the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations. I am also doing my DofE Gold and I am currently doing boxing, conservation work and first aid. I believe strongly in community, church and patriotism, they have been the main motives for my involvement in politics.

Brychan Williams, 18, Swansea

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Wales needs a boost. For too long she has been hampered by long term under investment and poor infrastructure. This is crippling us. If we decided to leave the UK and the EU, Wales would be classed as a third world country. Yet Britain is one of the strongest economies in the world. Change is needed. I am currently studying economics, politics and history at Gower College Swansea. We are all influenced by our upbringing and there is no doubt that this has had an impact on my opinions.

I have been lucky enough to see the world slightly, thanks Mum and Dad. However, nobody can choose which family they are born into. There is one thing which I fundamentally believe in: everyone should be given an equal opportunity in life regardless of their upbringing.

Andrew Wilmot, 21, Aberystwyth

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I am an Aberystwyth university student, originally from Buckinghamshire, and I support myself through university as an independent marketing/tech consultant, working with companies all over the world. I only became particularly political since I got to university. Since being here I founded the Aberystwyth Young Independence society and have organised the Vote Leave campaign in Aberystwyth. Aside from work and politics, I enjoy playing the piano accordion and kayaking.

Elizabeth Wonders, 25, Swansea

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I study midwifery at Swansea University. I was inspired to begin a career in midwifery following a work experience placement in a Ghanaian maternity unit, during my first degree in medical sciences and humanities. I witnessed a lack of resources and choices for women during birth, making me determined to ensure women here in the UK have a positive birth experience. During my midwifery training I have chaired the Swansea University student midwifery society helping to organise study days, fundraising and events for both students and qualified midwives as well as being an advocate for students.

I am also a Welsh representative for the Royal College of Midwives student midwives forum, allowing me to get our voices heard at a national level. I do not follow a set political party.