Helping Young People Have Their Say on Maidenhead Community Issues
Young Maidenhead people will be able to make their voices heard about all kinds of issues affecting their lives if a strategy designed to include under-18s in decision making is accepted at next week's cabinet meeting (Thursday October 26).
The proposed Young People Participation Strategy will be used to further the aims of the Maidenhead Royal Borough's Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership by providing a framework for all agencies working with children and young people to actively consider and promote ways of getting them involved.
This forms part of a wider council drive to build a culture of participation. It also complements the government's Youth Opportunity Fund which provides money for young people to spend as they see fit on approved projects.
Cllr Kathy Newbound, lead member for Maidenhead children's services, said: "Young people are stakeholders in the community, using of all kinds of services, but their opinions are often not adequately represented in the decision-making process.
"Since practically a quarter of the population of the Royal Borough is aged 18 or younger, it is so important that we find constructive ways to consult with them and get them involved.
"As well as ensuring services are meeting the needs of young people, this strategy gives them the opportunity to learn more about citizenship, democracy in action, their rights and responsibilities and the connection between the local political process and their daily lives."
The strategy is aimed at Maidenhead children and young people from all backgrounds and home environments, including those at risk of social exclusion and disaffection. Looked after children and those with learning difficulties in particular would have opportunities to be actively involved in decisions affecting them.
It also links with the borough's diversity and equality framework which states: "Valuing diversity means recognising the strengths, talents and needs of every individual, nurturing potential, maximising opportunities for all to contribute and ensuring no one is left behind or excluded from society."
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead,
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