The voice of young people is being heard

Everyone knows about the city council, but lesser known is the Citywide Youth Forum.

The forum is known as ‘Respect’ and is made up of 20 young people aged 11-18 from Stoke-on-Trent. The young people were democratically elected to this position by their peers with over 6,800 votes cast in total.

Taking decisions

Their aim is to champion the voice of young people ensuring they are involved in all aspects of decision-making that affects them. They have written a manifesto highlighting areas of improvement they are working on to develop Stoke-on-Trent.

They fall under the headings: law and society; culture, media and sport; transport and employment; education and skills; international matters; environment and rural affairs and health.

Youth Charter

They have written a Youth Charter which aims to promote a harmonious environment for young people and adults to work together and support community cohesion and involvement.  The Youth Charter is a document that organisations endorse through initially signing and displaying within their organisation acknowledging the difficulty faced at times by young people when trying to access their service.

By signing the document the organisations are offering the young people of Stoke-on-Trent an assurance that they will be treated fairly with respect and they will listen to the views of young people in a non-judgemental way.

Youth Parliament

Of the 20 on the Youth Forum, two are elected to become Members of Youth Parliament representing the city locally, regionally and nationally. They are Jason Pearce of Penkhull and Adam Edwards of Ball Green.

For more information please contact Duane Barrett at the Youth Participation Team on 01782 234608 or email duane.barrett@stoke.gov.uk