Young people in Swanmore plan for the future
Young people in Swanmore will have the opportunity to help shape the future of their community thanks to a pilot initiative to improve young people’s involvement in community planning.
Over the past few months, a group of local residents in Swanmore has been working on a Village Plan with support from the Parish Council. A draft community profile has been produced and the next stage is to undertake a detailed consultation with residents. As part of this consultation, young people will be given the chance to have their say and help shape the future of the area.
The City Council, together with Community Action Hampshire, has been working with Swanmore College to identify the issues that matter to young people. If successful, this pilot scheme could act as a template for a national drive to involve young people more in the community planning process.
On 19 March, a core group of around twenty pupils from all parts of the College will be asked to help identify key issues for the future of the village. They will then design a questionnaire to be completed by all their fellow pupils over the ensuing two weeks. Representatives from the Swanmore Village Plan Steering Group will be present on the day to help facilitate the work.
Following analysis of the results, pupils will be invited to give a presentation to representatives from the Village Plan Steering Group, Community Action Hampshire, and Winchester City Council. The results will form a key component of the Swanmore Village Plan and should ensure that the views and concerns of young people in the area are addressed over the coming years.
To find out more about this initiative, the Swanmore Village Plan, or community planning in general, please contact Steve Lincoln, the Council’s Community Planning Manager, on 01962 848110 or slincoln@winchester.gov.uk