Cambridge City Council’s Children and Young People’s Participation Service (ChYpPS) is hosting a number of Young People’s Council sessions to give young people in Cambridge, who are aged 10 and over, the chance to express their views, learn how to communicate their opinions confidently and work towards shaping and being a part of this year’s TakeOver Day.
Last year, children were invited to the Guildhall for TakeOver Day during which they took control of the city, raising issues such as traffic, litter and parks improvements with Cllr Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Communities, Antoinette Jackson, Chief Executive, the Mayor, police and other guests.
The Young People’s Council sessions will take place in Arbury, Abbey, Cherry Hinton and Market wards as follows:
Tuesday 8 August
- Hobbs Pavilion (Parkers Piece), 12 - 1.30pm
- Cherry Hinton Village Centre 3 - 4.30pm
Tuesday 15 August:
- Meadows Community Centre 12 - 1.30pm
- Barnwell Baptist Church 3 - 4.30pm
The sessions will then continue to be held every other week after school until December – details will be published on the council’s website in due course.
Cllr Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “I am excited that we are to expand on the excellent work done recently in engaging young people about the issues that interest and affect them in our city.
“I hope many young people attend these new sessions as it is important that everyone – not just those of voting age – feel they can influence council decision-making and play a part in improving community life and improving the area around them.”
The Young People’s Council idea builds on the success of a series of Agenda Days at which children were given the opportunity to have their say about where they live.
Agenda Days catered for a younger age group with children expressing their thoughts and ideas on where they live through drawing, street art and video with ChYpPS workers and local artists.
Litter was a particular issue that arose during these Agenda Days and ChYpPS organised a litter walk where hot spots were identified by children who then fed back to the council’s Community Engagement and Enforcement Team.
Feedback from the Agenda Days has also been instrumental in a successful bid for S106 developer contributions for new equipment at Gunhild Close play area and a new small skate park at King George V playing field in Trumpington.
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For more information go to www.cambridge.gov.uk/chypps, follow the link on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chypps or call 01223 457873.
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