Young people speak up at the Bucks Youth Summit
Young people from across the county have come together to discuss the biggest issues and areas of interest for young people in Buckinghamshire at the Bucks Youth Summit, which took place in Aylesbury earlier today (Monday 11 March).
Nearly 200 young people from secondary schools and youth groups in the county attended the event at the Waterside Theatre. The Summit was hosted by young people in the Youth Voice Executive Committee as part of Buckinghamshire Council’s Youth Voice Bucks programme. Throughout the day, discussions and conversations were held on topics covering mental health, LGBTQ+/Pride, vaping, politics, sexual health, relations with the police, matters relating to special educational needs and the cost of living crisis.
It is the second time the event has taken place with feedback on last year’s event used to plan this year’s summit. The aim is to bring young people together to share views on the biggest issues affecting and of interest to them.
In addition to listening and taking part in the discussions the young people attending were given a ballot paper to cast votes on their priorities. Votes were counted at the end of the day and the results will be used to feed into documents including the CYP (Children & Young People) Partnership Plan and the Buckinghamshire Youth Offer.
Dozens of young people acted in facilitation and behind-the-scenes roles including as election staff to run the ballot, journalists, activity facilitators and front of house roles.
Joseph Baum, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services said afterwards: “Today’s summit has been another hugely successful event, thanks in no small part, to the efforts and engagement of the young people who have been involved. From getting stuck into back-office tasks to immersing themselves in the discussions and conversations, it has been wonderful to see so many young people taking part. I hope they have enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed being here and I want to thank everyone for their involvement.”
Joseph added: “We will take the information and insights from today and will use them to help shape future services and provision for young people in Buckinghamshire.”
The Youth Voice Bucks website, www.youthvoicebucks.co.uk, will continue to be updated with information and progress about the event and its outputs.
