National recognition for Youth Forum
A PROJECT that gives young people a voice in Halton has been shortlisted for a national award.
The Youth Forum – organised by Halton Housing Trust in partnership with Action for Children in both Widnes and Runcorn, is in the running to win the Excellence in Youth Involvement TPAS Award.
Ann Kingsbury, Halton Housing Trust’s Customer Involvement Officer, said: “Our priority with the Youth Forum was to engage with young people in Halton, which has been successful so it is wonderful to receive this recognition for the work that has been done.”
The Youth Forum began in 2010 when Ann Kingsbury gathered names at the Ditton Community Fun Day and via the West Bank Community Forum.
The Trust is committed to engaging with young people and so initially contacted Action for Children based at CRMZ, Kingsway, Widnes to form a partnership.
Youngsters were asked what fun activities they would like to do and as part of the initiative have also been given the opportunity to have their say on housing and environmental issues.
Through the informal events it is hoped that young people from across the borough will be encouraged to achieve their full potential and have a voice in the area in which they live.
So far, six sessions have been held in Widnes – some attracting more than 20 young people – with a further six now planned for Runcorn.
The fun activities have included a Ready Steady Cook contest; comedy workshop and a design a t-shirt competition.
A number of the sessions have been based around life skills such as cooking, healthy eating and managing finances which will hopefully stand these young people in good stead.
It is hoped that the forums from both Runcorn and Widnes will come together as one, leading to an improvement in community cohesion.
“The Youth Forum has been 100% successful in engaging with young people as it is completely dedicated to this one cause,” said Ann Kingsbury.
“The messages and content that are delivered are specifically aimed at young people and what is important to them.”
Rob Warburton, Youth Work Co-ordinator with Action for Children said, “It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Halton Housing Trust, to provide young people with positive activities, but more importantly, a voice, enabling them to contribute effectively to their own communities.”