Shaping My Tomorrow Summit Amplifies Youth Voice in Walsall

Up to 100 young people aged 9 - 25 attended Walsall’s first ever youth summit with the theme 'Shaping My Tomorrow' giving young people a voice when it comes to services offered to them.

The youth summit 'Shaping My Tomorrow' took place at Walsall Town Hall on Wednesday 14th August where young people shared why it was important for young people across the Walsall Borough to have their say. They also discussed how decisions made on behalf of young people affected them. 

Picture - Walsall Town Hall
 

HAF (Holiday Activity and Food) programme providers, youth organisations and Walsall Council Children's Services were also in attendance to offer support to young attendees and delivered a range of workshops to discuss the key issues young people face in Walsall and how they can have their say to make Walsall a better and safer place to live. 

Councillor Stacie Elson, portfolio holder for children and young people said the priority was to make sure young people are "heard loud and clear"

"young people will feel empowered to speak about things that matter to them" she said.

Picture - The James Brindley Foundation 

KIC Radio spoke with youth summit attendees Sankofa, 1, & Afruika, 17, about why youth voice is important and what they feel the issues are for young people in Walsall.

James, Programme Controller & Ben, Project Manager from KIC Radio

My Tomorrow was designed by 11 to 25 year-olds with help from the charity the Positive Youth Foundation and is fully youth led.

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Simon Foster said; 

“The summit builds on detailed work already done by Walsall Council to understand the needs of their children and young people, and their commitment to ensuring young people’s voices are heard should be commended.”