Young people across Belfast are encouraged to get involved with the Youth Forum as a voice for their peers
Youth council for second term
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Following the successful first term of the Belfast City Council Youth Forum,
Belfast City Council have opted to continue the forum for another term.
Made up of 36 young people from across the city, The Youth Forum has been
working closely with elected and council officers on policies and services
affecting children and young people.
Taking their seats for the first time in April 2006 for a two year term, the
young people have been involved in a wide range of projects, including the
development of a skatepark for Belfast, work on tackling suicide and
lobbying for a change in the way sex and relationship education is taught in
schools, including meeting with the health committee at the Northern Ireland
Assembly.
Gerard Gorman, representative for Upper Falls, said: “What I liked most
about the Youth Forum was getting the opportunity to participate in a group
that makes a difference. I also liked getting to meet and know people from
across Belfast, including people of different religions than me.”
One of the key reasons for the success of the forum has been the direct
engagement between young people and elected members.
Councillor Michael Browne, chair of the development committee , said: “
These
young people should be commended for their hard work and dedication. For the
past two years they have shown a lot of commitment and have become heavily
involved in influencing policies which are relevant to their lives.”
The Belfast City Council Youth Forum is currently looking for 36 young
people, aged 13-18, who would like to be a voice for young people in the
city.
For more information visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/youth; text ‘belfastyf’
(followed by your message) to 60300; e-mail youth@belfastcity.gov.uk or
phone 90500521.
