Voice for young people created

Over seventy young people have been shaping how they can get involved in decision making in Tameside at a special, weekend residential course that took place in Chester. Representatives from the youth service, voluntary groups and secondary schools created a Youth Forum planning workshop as a 3 day event over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

They looked at questions like how they think a Forum should run, what their roles and responsibilities will be and how to encourage young people across the borough to get involved when they are asked their views on decisions that will affect their future. A ‘Question Time’ session was held where young people debated issues that affect their lives and how they would like the Forum to look. Amongst the panel addressing these important questions were senior staff from Services for Children and Young People including Director Jim Taylor and head of the Youth Service Sue Nathan, as well as police Chief Superintendent Zoe Hamilton.

After the weekend young people have begun to develop ways for more young people to get involved with the Forum and to promote the influence young people can have in Tameside. It is hoped that in the near future Tameside will see its own local election for young people to sit on the Youth Forum.

For more information about getting involved in shaping the future for young people aged between 11 and 18, contact Justin Wiggin, Participation Manager on 0161 342 2573.