Young people

We value the contribution young people can make to our community.

We are continuing to develop our work with young people, schools, youth groups and other organisations  so that young people's views shape policies and services which the council provides, to ensure the needs of all young people are being met. 

Our priorities are to provide opportunities for young people to express their views at a local and national level; provide young people with the knowledge and opportunity to become active citizens; encourage young people to particpate in positive activities; provide information about careers locally and offer work experience placements;  work with young people on projects which bring together different groups in the community and promote a positive image of young people.

We are committed to working with young people and run Networking Events and the Young People's Xchange to consult young people about the work of the council.   We work with local organisations to give young people opportunities to participate in decision making about issues that will affect them.

On these pages you will find out more about opportunities for young people to get involved, information about our work with schools and other organisations to engage young people in local democracy. 

How the council can work with schools:

• encourage young people to join the Young People's Xchange
• encourage young people to attend networking events
• visit schoos to talk about local democracy and citizenship
• visit schools to talk about careers in local government
• attend careers evenings
• political speed dating with councillors and officers
• business studies workshops explaining why councils work with bussinesses
• help run youth parliament elections.

Competition:  Poetry or Prose - first prize £50, second prize £30, no more than 1,000 words on the subject of what makes you happy, summer, friendship or a topic of your choice.  Closing date 5 August 2011 - download entry form (34.5 KB)

Please contact the young people's coordinator for further information (details on the right).