Issue - meetings

The Assembly received the Barking and Dagenham (BAD) Youth Forum and Young Mayor’s Annual Report, introduced virtually by the Head of Participation, Opportunity and Wellbeing, who then handed over to representatives of the Youth Forum, who also joined the meeting virtually.

The report detailed the achievements of the BAD Youth Forum during the past 12 months outlining the work of each of the sub-groups, their aims and the impact of the work completed.

There were no elections in 2021; however, 13 new members joined 30 returning members following online recruitment via the One Borough Voice platform.  Meetings were held online until restrictions were lifted nationally and members felt safe to meet in person.

Community Action Sub-Group:  The Sub-Group focussed on

·  Parks and outdoor spaces;

·  Mental Health;

·  Physical Health;

·  Contextual Safeguarding;

·  Crime and Safety; and

·  Social Responsibility.

Young Mayor Sub-Group:  The Young Mayor of Barking and Dagenham picked Refuge as their chosen charity for 2021.  Fundraising activities took place over the course of the year and at the time of the meeting £1999.71 had been raised by the sub-group. The Young Mayor attended several events over the course of the year and was supported by the Leader of the Council and the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham.

Young Inspectors Sub-Group:The Sub-group adapted their processes over the past year by undertaking pharmacy inspections for the Come Correct Condom Distribution scheme, particularly in the first part of the year when the country was in lockdown.  Members started to undertake pharmacy inspections again in August however once the pharmacies became busy with flu jabs and COVID booster doses, it was felt better to undertake inspections via telephone.

Additional Events:  The Forum took part in other activities during the year which included:

·  Consultations;

·  Meetings with the Police;

·  Street doctor sessions;

·  Young Women’s Vigil; and

·  The Youth Parade.

Following the presentation, a number of Members congratulated the Forum on their excellent work and inspirational projects during such difficult times.  The Chair thanked the Forum Members for their presentation.

The Assembly resolved to note the BAD Youth Forum Annual Report for 2021, as set out at Appendix A to the report.