Issue - meetings

Members of the Youth Forum will attend to present the report.

The Corporate Director for Resources introduced the report as set out in the agenda.

The Young People’s Forum was represented by three of its members, they were: Danielle Waynwright, a member for three years, Sally Anne Sindrey, a member for one year and Jeremy Morrison, also a member for one year.  They spoke of their support and fondness for the youth forum, their comments are summarised as follows:

• The forum offered a voice for the young.
• The forum gave young people an opportunity to showcase their ability and willingness to make a difference for their communities.
• They enjoyed the various events that they hosted, organised and took part in.
• A particular highlight was being awarded the Diana award and being treated to a day-trip to Allthorpe.
• They benefited from making the video/DVD on knife crime and promoting it throughout the borough.
• They benefited from networking opportunities and the confidence gained by making new friends and forging relationships.
• The visit to parliament was one of the highlights for the year.
• Weekly meetings mean that opinions are aired and valued, and young people do not feel judged.
• Young people found turning ideas into action and reality exciting and fulfilling.
• All members looked forward to the annual trip to Thorpe Park.

In response to questions, Jeremy Morrison reported that an existing project was aimed at canvassing young people’s views on what facilities could be improved for young people.

Sally Ann Sindrey opposed the idea of curtailing the free oyster pass for young people.  She said that it would not be fair to punish all young people when there was no hard evidence to support the allegation that all criminal activities on London transport were being committed by young people.  The forum members also voiced their support for free leisure passes to be offered for the elderly.

Danielle Waynwight suggested that free leisure passes would be a popular scheme among young people.  Free swimming had been a success to a certain extent however, the leisure centres were struggling to cope with the demand which meant that users were allocated limited times in swimming pools and she personally felt, therefore, that the scheme had had a detrimental effect.