Young People of Tameside Lay Down a Plan

Charity Applauds Council's Commitment to Young People in Times of Austerity

Young people living in Tameside have been making their voices heard on local provision in their area. A project co-ordinated by charity 4Children throughout the summer has been supporting Tameside Children’s Trust to work with young residents and give them a say in the services available to them locally. The project was undertaken to ensure that future youth provision would be relevant, effective and able to support young people’s needs.

The result of the young people’s efforts throughout the summer is available to view on the “Youth Proofed” version of the 2010-13 Children and Young People’s Plan. Written by teenagers, for teenagers, it shows Tameside’s young people why the plan’s goals they chose are so important.

The plan contains advice and support for young people on issues from obesity and alcohol risks, to teen pregnancy and problems caused by domestic violence, in line with the six priority areas set out by the original plan. Alongside the advice is clear information on what local agencies will be doing to help.

Claire Bibby, Assistant Executive Director for Area Support and Youth at Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council said:

We wanted to make certain that the services and support we offer young people are relevant so that we can have confidence that they will be well used by young people. I’m delighted that 370 local young people took part in the development of this plan over three months and optimistic that the services will be welcomed by all young people living in the Borough. The finished product is proof of the fantastic contribution young people can make when given the chance to take part.”

Charles Ellis, Deputy Chief Executive at 4Children said:
"Our work with young people consistently reinforces our belief that young people are absolutely the best people to design and shape the services they use and those they would like to be available. We’re delighted to see Tameside putting young people in the driving seat. No one is in a better position to know about what products or services young people want to see on their doorstep than young people themselves.”

Young people involved in the project said:
"As young people of Tameside our students have been asked to review the Children and Young People’s Plan 2010 -2013 and to give it our views and understanding of it. We feel the plan makes sense and that it will give us more opportunity and encouragement to do well, stay safe, be listened to and get involved. Giving us all lots to celebrate and be proud of.” (Jaimini Popat; Arizona Buck; Conor Barnard; Andrew McAllister; Arron Bird and Nicola Searle)

Some of the young people who took part in the 4Children Tameside Youth Participation project have since continued to champion the cause of young people being involved in designing and shaping the services available to them. A select group from the project visited the national charity, 4Children, at its head office in London earlier this month to lead a training session for staff on the importance of engaging young people in all its work which affects them.

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