Young people have gone online to encourage their peers to get involved in decision-making in their community.
Members of the East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership (AAP) Youth Forum have presented details of an online project, designed to get their peers involved in local decision making, to council officers.
The AAP is funding a website, developed and updated by members of the youth forum, which informs children and young people about events and activities that they can be involved in, and gives them an opportunity to have a say on local services.
Representatives from the forum gave an update on the site’s progress at the AAP board meeting and explained their plans to make the website more attractive and to increase the number of users.
Jane Bellis, AAP Coordinator said: “It was fabulous to have the young people at the board meeting. It’s important for us to involve residents of all ages in decisions about their area, and we’re looking forward to working with these young people on future projects.
“It’s fantastic to meet young people who are so passionate about where they live and the board was delighted to hear that the group is planning a series of litter picks in the area, working in partnership with local organisations to promote their work.”
The youth forum is supported by Investing in Children, an organisation that helps children and young people to exercise their rights and participate in decisions that affect them.
Children and young people can visit the youth forum website, at www.aap-voices.weebly.com to view information and advice on a number of issues, access what’s on listings and to take part in regular online discussions to enable them to have a say about issues and events in the area.
Further information about the work of the East Durham Rural Corridor AAP Team is available by telephoning 03000 261 129, 03000 261 128, or by emailing eastdurhamruralaap@durham.gov.uk.
