Staffordshire County Council Philip Atkins, Children's Commissioner Gill Stanford lends their ears

Young people urged to Speak Out

County Council Leader Philip Atkins has given his support to Speak Out - a conference organised by young people in Staffordshire.

Councillor Atkins and Commissioner for Children Gill Stanford will be supporting the conference, when young people from across the county will come together to speak about the issues important to them.  It will take place in November and is earmarked to be the largest of its kind in Staffordshire. It aims to encourage young people to make their voices heard, but also think of practical resolutions to key issues.

Speakout has been organised by the Youth Action Kouncil (YAK), a group of young people who represent their peers from across the county. Following consultation with thousands of young people the day will focus on issues identified as important to them.  Participants will have the chance to take part in a series of fun, interactive workshops planned, designed and delivered by YAK members to influence and challenge key decision-makers. The main themes of the day will be around transport, the negative image of young people, lack of things to do and bullying. 

Philip Atkins spoke about the importance of the conference, and listening to the county's young people: "Speakout is a very important conference, because it gives us as County Councillors an insight into what issues are affecting young people in Staffordshire. By bringing these issues to a wider audience and actually affecting change, they are making a positive contribution and proving that their voices count."

YAK Spokesperson, Sam Hale from Cheadle added:  "The conference gives us a fantastic opportunity to shape the communities we live in and improve things for all young people."

The conference will be held at the Staffordshire County Showground on Thursday 19 November and is open for all young people aged 13 and 19 (inclusive) who live, work or study in the county.  For more information or to book your place, contact Kathryn Lowe on 01785 277220 or log onto www.staffordshirechildrenstrust.org.uk. 

Page Last Modified: 14/10/2009 16:12:43

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