We want to be heard, say youth of South Norfolk

This is the clear call from 11-25 year olds in South Norfolk, who have created their own youth-friendly version of the Council’s strategy for involving young people.

Developed with young people, for young people, the credit card-sized Let us Speak folds out into a colourful, straight-talking document, detailing the Council’s commitment to its younger residents - and inviting them to get more involved in planning the district’s future. It is the latest in a series of developments which have seen young people playing an increasingly pivotal role in the Council over the past two years.

Vivienne Clifford-Jackson, Leader of the Council, is also its Young Person’s Champion. She said:

"Norfolk has an aging population, and it tends to be older people who have the interest and time to get involved in politics - which can make young people feel their own concerns are overlooked. If we want our younger citizens to feel able to stay and thrive in a rural area such as ours, it is vital that we hear their opinions too and incorporate their priorities into our plans; otherwise they will become disillusioned, voting figures will continue to fall, and politics will lose out on some very talented and energetic young people.

"We need today's youth to get involved and to know they can make a difference now. Let us Speak will be going out to schools and youth clubs, and we hope it will encourage many more young people to help make decisions that affect their lives by joining South Norfolk Youth Action."

South Norfolk Youth Action (SNYA), which created Let us Speak, is an independent and enthusiastic panel of young people in South Norfolk, who campaign to raise the profile of 11-25 year olds. The group have already created their own website, contributed to the redevelopment of the Council’s website, developed an A-Z of council services and had their say in budget discussions.

Jenni Clutten, 17, is a member of the National Youth Parliament and chair of SNYA. She said:

"I’ve been showing Let us Speak to people at school, and am very pleased as there’s been a definite interest. It’s cool because it’s different, and even if people don’t read the whole thing, it is something they can dip into. It’s a way of empowering young people; it will stay with them that there is something there for them.

"This was something the members of SNYA were determined to do from early on. It outlines what the Council is offering young people, but it’s broken down so it’s easy and simple. Adults might appreciate this version too. SNYA are the first place people come for advice if they want to do something with young people - the Council recognises that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders and tax payers, and they also ask our views on things which might not affect us right now. We don’t only have opinions on skateparks!"

Anjali Stringer, who works on Active Citizenship with young people in South Norfolk, added:

"South Norfolk is committed to listening to young people - and then taking action. That is why people like Jenni attend budget meetings and conferences, and have a real say in many council decisions. Having devised Let us Speak, SNYA are now going to scrutinise the Action Plan for the full version of our Youth Involvement Strategy, before it can be adopted by the Council."

Web links

• South Norfolk Youth Action (SNYA)

Related pages

• Latest news