HELIUM balloons will deliver messages from young people in West Devon to politicians, following the launch today (Thursday) of a new involvement initiative.

The Involve Project, run by award winning charity WestDEN, aims to get people aged between 18 and 24 to use their vote and be heard in the political process.

The project is being launched in Tavistock?s Bedford Square today with West Devon politicians and John Burnett MP helping young people to make towers from helium balloons, complete with messages which will later be presented to local, national and European politicians.

A pop quiz competition with questions on voting, Parliament and politics will also be held and the winner will receive tickets to see a band of their choice at Plymouth Pavilions.

Justine Squire, 19, is helping to oversee the running of Involve. She said: ?Often young adults are blamed for not using their vote or for not taking part, but young people are given very little information about how the political system operates or how you can get your voice heard. Then suddenly at 18 you are able to vote and are expected to have an understanding of how it all works.

?We hope this project will reach a wide cross-section of people across the district and show that every vote can make a difference and this age group can make their voices heard.?

As part of the project a youth forum is being set up to encourage 18 to 24 year-olds to get their voices heard in local, national and international politics. An interactive internet site is also being developed where young people can find information on their democratic rights.

The forum?s work will be based on issues raised in the messages written at the launch and the messages will also be used in consultation with WestDEN.

Project manager Mo Morel said: ?It is vitally important for a healthy democracy that the voices of young people are heard and that the issues which are important to them get on to the political agenda.

?Involve aims to give a voice to these issues by having a direct link into the decision making process through the formation of West Devon 18-24 Forum where young people can put their views direct to the politicians.?

Anyone interested in joining the forum can contact Mo Morel on 01822 615237, or attend the first meeting at the Ordulph Arms, Tavistock, on Tuesday July 29 at 7pm.