Two hundred young people from across the borough will be discussing issues ranging from youth unemployment to the Olympic legacy in Wandsworth’s first ‘youth momentum’ conference.

The Wandsworth Youth Momentum Conference will also look at the public disorder last August, recycling rates and how the council is implementing the Children and Young People’s Plan.

The young people taking part will explore the topics being discussed in creative workshops before quizzing the borough’s councillors and council officers in a speed questioning event.

The day-long conference at Battersea Arts Centre – hosted by Wandsworth Youth Council – gives young people the chance to have a positive influence on their community by engaging directly with the borough’s decision-makers.

All Wandsworth schools have been sent invitations to attend the event, which is open to students from years 9 and 10. After the event, on July 3rd, council officials will be invited to respond to young people’s ideas and questions by proposing changes to service design, delivery and development.

This will feed into and inform the Wandsworth Youth Participation Strategy and Children and Young People’s Plan.

Wandsworth Council’s cabinet member for education and children’s services, Councillor Kathy Tracey, said:
“This event is the first of its kind that we have held and I am looking forward to hearing what our young people have to say about these crucial community issues. It is hugely important for younger generations to be heard and I have no doubt myself and my colleagues will learn a great deal about what we as a council do well, where we can improve and also what new approaches we could take to engage with teenagers and children.”

All organisations represented by young people at the conference will be given a copy of a film of the day – as well as a record of pledges made by decision makers so Wandsworth Youth Council can scrutinise them and ensure that they are realised.

June 7, 2012