Young people from Dorset had a chance to discuss how they can make Dorset an even better place to be a child when they came together recently at a Youth Voice Residential.
Young people who are involved in groups run under the Youth Voice banner spent a few days together over the Easter holiday and combined a chance to work on real tasks with some down-time to have fun together.
Josh and Jay were two of the young people who were working together. Josh said: ‘We’re putting together a website that can become a resource for other young people to help them with life skills such as how to use a dishwasher, how to cook or even careers advice.
‘We can give advice to people our age in a way that comes over in the right way where older people might sometimes just assume we know everything already.
‘We’re hoping to promote the website through Dorset schools and on social media so that other young people can benefit from the resources we’ve found.’
The event also included a jam session with Dorset Council’s music service which investigated the importance of music for young people’s development.
Clair McColl, strategic lead for the music service in Dorset, led the session. She said: ‘We know that music is important to so many young people and can be a way to develop and practice fundamental skills, but it is sadly seen as an optional extra too often. Engaging in music-making and creative expression can support positive wellbeing, boost self-esteem and build resilience.
‘Sessions like this demonstrate not only how much young people enjoy making music, but also how they can work together to create something collaboratively.’
The age of the group ranged from 10 to 17 and was made up of young carers, children in care and wider members of the Dorset Youth Council and Members of the Youth Parliament. They were all encouraged to take part in social activities together such as yoga or arts and crafts, which they were able to experience in a safe and inclusive environment.
Jay said: ‘We’ve had a fun time with all the activities as well as doing some real work. It’s great that we can choose how and when we work and when we do other things.
‘We’ve had an Easter egg hunt, we’ve gone on walks and it’s all been really relaxed.’
Youth Voice, which is run by Dorset Council, is made up of a number of groups that encourage young people to take an active interest in improving life for young people in Dorset.
Councillor Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help, said: ‘It’s a bit of a cliché, but children really are our future and it is great to see them coming together like this to problem solve and work on their campaigns.
“Events like this and groups like Dorset Youth Voice, help build confidence in our young people, helpingto develop skills for their adult years ahead.’
Jay added: ‘If anyone is thinking of joining Youth Voice I’d say they should give it a go. You meet lots of people who you wouldn’t get to know otherwise. They come from different parts of Dorset and have different experiences to you. It’s interesting to work together on our campaigns. What have you got to lose?’
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Young people can sign up to Dorset Youth Voice if they’d like to take part in upcoming activities and sessions.
