Posted on: Monday 11 November 2024
Around 30 young people, aged between 11 and 18, have taken part in the first Torfaen Youth Alliance meeting.
Representatives from local secondary schools joined members of 17 different young people's organisations and teams to discuss issues important to children and young people in the borough.
Torfaen Youth Forum Deputy Chair Harry Legge said: "The youth alliance is a great way for young people to have their voices heard and it will have a positive impact in the future. Everybody is able to have their say and hear what others have to say too.”
The meeting was organised by the council's children and young people's participation officer Philip Wilson.
He said: "The aim of the youth alliance is to provide young people with a forum to come together to discuss issues,such as health and well-being, that are important to them. They can share opinions and work together to provide a clear and strong voice back to Torfaen Council, and partner organisations, to help ensure their views and needs are heard. I’d like to thank all young people for attending and a particular thanks to pupils and staff from Crownbridge School for hosting this first meeting.”
The results of the first youth alliance meeting will be fed back into council, who will then follow-up with the youth alliance at its next meeting in early 2025.
Along with West Monmouth School, a wide range of organisations were involved in the first meeting, including: Scouts Cymru, Torfaen Youth Forum, Torfaen Pupil Referral Unit, Torfaen Young Carers, TOGS Centre Torfaen, Llais, Cwmbran Centre for Young People, Torfaen Young People’s Support Service, Home Start Cymru, Melin and Bron Afon, Torfaen Youth Service and Torfaen Play Service.
St Giles Cymru, an organisation that runs projects that help children and young people held back by poverty, unemployment, the criminal justice system or homelessness, were also at the session.
St Giles case worker Aimee Evans said: “Some young people due to their background and past experiences are very isolated in many ways. The youth alliance is a chance for them to realise that they do have a voice and have choices, which may have been taken away from them in the past. It’s also an opportunity for them to feel part of a community and feel heard, both of which is very important.”
The alliance brings together youth forums and school councils from across Torfaen, if you are a member of a youth organisation and would like more information on how your organisation can join the alliance please email YourVoice@torfaen.gov.uk