Youth of Winchester marks its first year at AGM
The first Youth of Winchester AGM was held in December celebrating a year of the new Winchester District Youth Council. The Council is made up of students from 5 of the Districts Secondary Schools with the aim to give all young people in the Winchester District a voice.
Over the year they have looked at issues like the Winchester Local Development Framework, deciding on a name and logo and working on a website by young people for young people. In the coming year they will be concentrating on their 4 priorities which are; transport for young people, positive images of young people, leisure facilities including publicising what already exists, and preventing bullying.
The newly elected Chair of YOW, Malyha Ahmed said, "As a district Winchester needs to communicate with all young people, and include everyone, regardless of their background or intellect. In my new role as chair, I want to make YOW a name that is commonly heard, and develop it into a setting in which everyone feels comfortable in stating their beliefs, and having them heard by people that can act."
"In their first year I have been hugely impressed by the infectious enthusiasm and imagination in which Youth of Winchester has risen to the challenge of becoming an all inclusive voice for young people in our district" said Councillor John Cooper, Deputy Leader of Winchester City Council and the authority’s Portfolio Holder for Communities & Safety.
He added "Those who have been at the forefront this year have established the foundation for a forum that will be increasingly influential in determining the priorities for Winchester's Children & Young People's Partnership. I am delighted to work with them and recognise clearly YOW's determination not only to reflect young people's opinions but also to play a full part in ensuring we deliver high quality outcomes that meet their aspirations".
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.
If you would like to find out more about Youth of Winchester and how you can get involved please email yow_pr_team@yahoo.co.uk or telephone Nicola Lawrence on 01962 848 497.