Young people give councillors their views
Young people from across the district gathered together on Wednesday to talk about how they can become more involved in the services provided by Lancaster City Council.
Young people from across the district gathered together on Wednesday to talk about how they can become more involved in the services provided by Lancaster City Council.
More than 35 young people from 12 schools and colleges, Lancashire Young People’s Service and the YMCA took part in a special council meeting at Lancaster Town Hall.
The aim of the day was for the young people to identify effective ways for them to become involved in decision making, planning and development of services.
Following a morning of workshops, they presented their findings to councillors.
The results of the council meeting will help the council implement its own Young People's Engagement Strategy.
Coun Jane Fletcher, cabinet member with responsibility for children and young people, said: "For whatever reason, young people often feel that they can't engage with councils and that leaves us at a huge disadvantage.
"We want to produce services which they can use and are focussed on their needs - but without their input how do we know that we are getting things right?
"Hopefully this will build up the contact between the council and the young people of the Lancaster district.
"Not only will we gain a better understanding of their issues, they will be better informed about the council."
Schools and colleges taking part in the day were:
Lancaster Royal Grammar, Ridgway Park, Carnforth High, The Loyne, Lancaster Girls' Grammar, Our Lady’s, Morecambe High, Wennington Hall, Skerton High, Lancaster and Morecambe College, Beaumont College and Hornby High.
Representatives from the YMCA and Lancashire Young People’s Service also took part.
Date Updated: 19/03/09