Oswestry Borough Council, in partnership with the Shropshire Youth Association and Shropshire Council, is to start regular face-to-face sessions with young people in the area through a new youth forum.
Sessions will be held every semester and all children ages 11-18 are welcome.
The first session will take place during midterm on Wednesday, October 26 from 2-4 p.m. at the Centre, Oak Street, Oswestry.
Accessible to all young people, the board says the Center provides a safe space for the afternoon off.
Councilors say the main aim of the forum will be to involve young people in the council’s decision-making, so that they can help shape the future offer for young people.
The forum will encourage contributions and involvement on specific topics, provide a £5,000 budget to commission activities and raise the profile of young people’s issues in Oswestry.
Oswestry Mayor Councilor Jay Moore said the funding would allow the forum to design and deliver activities that support young people.
“Council recently received a suggestion to have table tennis facilities in the park and a redesign of mini golf and the council would like the forum to consider these suggestions,” he said.
Supported by a member of staff from Oswestry Borough Council and the Shropshire Youth Association, as well as key partners, the forum is also looking for young people to represent other key organizations in Oswestry.
“We hope the new youth forum will be a group of young people who want to make a difference locally and who are confident to present their views and ideas for council consideration,” Councilor Moore said.
“The idea is to empower young people to have a strong voice in the city and to link discussions to their friends and peers. It’s also a great way for young people to gain experience for their resume and to support applications for future jobs, college studies and university applications, by supporting the discussion and development of the forum.
If you are a young person who would like to participate or know young people who would like to contribute, contact Corrie Davies at corriedavies@oswestry-tc.gov.uk or Jess Williams at jess@sya.org.uk
Young people attending the forum will need a signed parental consent form on the day.
