Information on Loughborough

Youth Voice Beginning to Roar in Charnwood

Posted on 01/09/2010
newsdesk

THE voice of young people in the Borough has never been louder after membership to Charnwood Youth Council hit a record high.

Membership has surged five-fold, from three to fifteen, in the last 12 months thanks mainly to last year’s Charnwood Youth Conference.

Councillor Leigh Harper-Davies, support member for children and young people, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that so many young people in the Borough are embracing democracy and getting involved to make a difference to their community.

“The Youth Council not only gives young people a powerful voice but also provides Charnwood Borough Council with invaluable input and feedback from the people who will be affected most by long-term decisions made by councillors.

“Any young person who wants to make a positive difference in their community should seriously consider getting involved and join our ever-growing youth council.”

One of the youth council’s original members, Michael Meyerstein, said: “It shows how dedicated young people are and how they want to change things for the better. It makes me feel very proud that people want to get involved with us.”

The membership boost came after the huge success of the 2009 Charnwood Youth Conference which saw more than 50 young people attend along with teachers, council officers, youth workers and councillors.

That event was organised by the previous three members and galvanised more young people to sign up.

The group comprises of young people aged between 13 and 19 from a variety of backgrounds including a refugee, a young parent and young people with special needs.

To ensure they gain understanding about issues that affect young people throughout the Borough, they have embarked on a series of visits to youth groups and youth forums in different villages as well as shadowing detached youth workers on the streets.

To get involved, call Andrew Lake on Loughborough (01509) 267227.