More than 60 teenagers from schools across Charnwood got together to share their views and influence change and development in the borough.
At the Charnwood Youth Conference youngsters looked at a host of issues that affect them and talked about some of facilities they would like to see established in the borough.
These included more leisure facilities, as well as extra park benches and secure litter bins.
The event was organized and run by the Charnwood Youth Council which is open to youngsters aged 13-19.
The priorities the Youth Council agreed to take forward in 2009/10 included improved transport, tackling crime and safety and more facilities for children and young people.
James Hunter, who runs Leicestershire’s The Jitty website provided the conference with information about how to protect your identity online.
The Youth Council members then hosted an interactive session about this year’s hot topic, cyber bullying.
Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, Charnwood Borough Council’s Children and Young People’s Champion, said: “I was proud to be asked to open the conference on the behalf of the mayor and was hugely impressed by the standards achieved by the Youth Council at the event.
“The youth of today are the adults of tomorrow and incorporating their views through all of the council’s work is key to the borough’s continuing success in the future.”
Cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Services at Leicestershire County Council Ivan Ould said: “It is good to see young people discussing issues that are important to them and working together to make a difference.”
Following the conference, which took place at Loughborough Town Hall on October 14 and was jointly funded by Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council’s Youth Service, 10 of the delegates signed up to the Youth Council in a bid to make a difference.
If you are aged between 13-19 (or up to 25 with learning difficulties) and are committed to making the voice of young people count and want to find out more about working as part of this dynamic and influential group, contact Andrew Lake on 01509 267227.
