It's time to stop stereotyping young people

The first meeting of newly formed SN Youth Action has said it is time to stop stereotyping young people.

The call came from 16 young people from Diss High School, Harleston’s Archbishop Sancroft High School, Long Stratton High School, Wymondham College and Hethersett who met for over two hours of debate and discussion on key issues facing young people in South Norfolk.

Top of the meeting agenda was a name for the group, and to choose a chair and vice-chair. They agreed on SN Youth Action, which will be led by Mari Joyce,16, of Diss High School as chair and Jenny Clutten,16, of Hethersett as vice-chair. Jenny is also chair of Hethersett Youth Parish Council.

Cally Minshull,15, from Diss High School, who sits on the Diss Development Partnership Youth Committee, said that the meeting on Wednesday discussed a number of important issues, including the stereotyping of young people following incidents of vandalism in the area. She said:

“It was good to see how enthusiastic young people are in helping others in the community, and proving the recent stereotyping wrong. It’s good to know that after waiting for so long, the voice of young people is finally being heard and recognised.

“Now we want other young people, not just from schools, to come and join us. It’s an informal and relaxed environment where you can say what you want. The point is to get action, and to get things done. We want young people to feel free to make their voice heard, and to make a difference.”

Her comments underline concerns that came up at the meeting over why vandalism in the area has led to stereotyping of young people, and why the good work that young people are involved with has been forgotten.

The meeting announced plans for a major launch of the group in Local Democracy Week in October celebrating the involvement of young people. They also launched a competition to find an eye-catching logo for SN Youth Action. The logo competition starts now, and closes on 10th September. First prize for the winning designer will be a £50 music voucher, with the runner-up getting a £20 music voucher.

To enter, young people will need to state their name, address and age and send their design to Fran Ronan, Norfolk Youth and Community Service, District Resource Base, Shelfanger Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4EH. SN Youth Action will judge the competition.

The students, who will meet again in August, and then regularly after that, went on to discuss:

- Subsidised travel for young people on public transport, and the use of ID cards to establish age;

- Improved open sports facilities across the district;

- Government policy on free music and other skills lessons in schools;

- Making involvement in SN Youth Action an accredited part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme;

- The South Norfolk Council Youth Involvement Strategy; and,

- Setting up a SN Youth Action website

Jonathan Shortman, 16, SN Youth Action acting press officer, said:

“This group will have the same sort of powers as, for example, the council’s Scrutiny Committee, which I attended for three hours on Wednesday. It will be able to call officers and councillors to the meetings to answer questions. I think the difference is that young people will feel more comfortable, relaxed and able to take part in our discussions than they would if they went to Scrutiny.”

Fran Ronan, the council’s active citizenship co-ordinator, is preparing the youth involvement strategy and has helped set up the group. She said:

“This group is empowering young people to have a say in what is happening in their community. By supporting and enabling young people to be directly involved in the decision-making process, we are breaking down the barriers that have traditionally held young people back. If you want to join, call me on 01379 642425. ”

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