Young people have their say

Young people from across the borough took part in Hertsmere Borough Council's third annual Youth Conference at the Civic Offices in Borehamwood on Friday, 26 February.

Pupils from Mount Grace School in Potters Bar met Leader of the council Morris Bright during a speed meeting session at this year's youth conference

More than 30 pupils aged 13 to 18 came along to learn about democracy and what the council does.  The event aims to help young people understand that they can have a say on matters that affect them and to encourage them to play a more active role in the democratic decision-making process.

The day was presented by Flip Theatre - a local theatre company which uses performance to promote democratic engagement in a fun and light-hearted way.  They performed a short play which raised a range of issues which might affect young people including road safety and perceptions of young people.  This was followed by discussions around local politics and activities for young people.

The group of actors also simulated an election where they presented two different views and the youngsters voted on them using ballot boxes that are used in real elections.

The young people then got to quiz 11 local councillors on what they do in a speed meeting session.  Groups had three minutes with each one to talk about anything they wanted.  This also gave the councillors a chance to ask young people their views on things in the borough.

Fiona Paul, Youth Projects Officer at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: "The young people were interested in whether councillors had other jobs and how they fitted them in to their day-to-day life.

"They were pleased that their opinion was noted and some took business cards from the councillors so they could follow up their meeting and discuss matters further."

The event received very positive feedback from the young people, as well as their teachers, and comments included:

• This was a great experience for me, I loved it.  It's not what I expected - I thought it would be boring but it was great!
• I would like to have even more time to talk with councillors.
• I am very glad I attended this conference as now I am more aware of Hertsmere Borough Council and how I can volunteer in the community.

In addition, more than half of those who attended have signed up to take a more active role in local decisions by joining a new initiative called The Young Researchers Network.  This has been developed by the National Youth Agency which is supporting the council to set up a team of young people to gather information from their peers to help inform decisions relating to youth issues.

Fiona Paul added: "The day was great.  All the young people got involved with the various activities and seemed to enjoy themselves.

"We are confident that they all got something positive from the day and learnt something about the council and the importance of voting.  They also gained more of an understanding about how they can get involved with local issues."