Youth of Winchester

Youth of Winchester (formerly Winchester Youth Council) was formed in October 2007 following on from a 'Who Runs This Place' event held at St Mary's Stadium. Winchester City Council is working in partnership with Hampshire County Council Children's Services (Youth Service) and secondary schools across the district.

The first meeting was then held on March 2008 and was hosted by the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Chris Pines.

The purpose of WYC:

To provide a forum through secondary schools and colleges that is representative of all the young people of Winchester; so they can come together, have their voice heard and bring about change for the benefit of all young people in Winchester and the wider communities.

Representation:

So far Youth of Winchester (YOW) encompasses representatives from

• Kings school
• The Westgate School
• Perins School
• Swanmore School
• Henry Beaufort School
• Osborne School
• Youth Action Winchester
• Peter Symonds College

These young people will be the link between the school, school council and their peers and represent the views of young people in the Winchester District.

Priorities:

These priorities were identified from the 'Who Runs This Place' event.

• Positive images of young people
• Bullying
• Transport
• Leisure Facilities ( including letting people know what already exists)

Meetings:

YOW continues to meet every half term during school time (12-3pm), for elected officers only, but also has an open meeting (to which any young person can attend) from 5pm - 6.15pm, every other month. By having the 'open meetings' out of school time it will enable all young people who are interested in any of the priorities to be involved and have their voices heard.

How to get involved:

If you want to get involved or would like more information, please contact Nicola Lawrence at Winchester City Council on NLawrence@winchester.gov.uk or call 01962 848497 or contact David Mackie, Winchester Youth Worker david.mackie@hants.gov.uk 01962 876361