Night of celebration for Vale Youth Forum

Young people from across the area celebrated a year of achievement at an event hosted by Vale of Glamorgan Mayor Cllr Emlyn Williams.

The annual general meeting of the Vale Youth Forum was held at the Barry Town Hall, and representatives and officers from various youth groups and support organisations were delighted to hear that the organisation had received funding to employ its very own co-ordinator.

Attending were representatives from the Gibbonsdown (Barry) Youth Forum, Penarth Youth Action Group, Voice - the Penarth Youth Project young person’s management group, the Children’s Commissioner Advisory Group and Vale Funky Dragon.

Vale AM Jane Hutt, the Welsh Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, a long time supporter and trustee of the forum, spoke on the Welsh Assembly Government ethos on participation for children and young people. This focuses on children and young people "Having a Voice - Having a Choice."

Vale council leader Cllr Gordon Kemp, a fellow forum trustee, outlined the authority’s Participation Strategy for Children and Young People and said the council was very much in favour of giving children and young people a say in matters that affect them.

The evening also comprised presentations on "Swoosh," a new young person’s website soon to be launched throughout the Vale, and the "Peered Up" Vale Youth Mentoring Team.

Forum chair Tracey Downes said:"The evening’s star attractions by far were the presentations by the youngsters on the work of the Gibbonsdown Youth Forum, Penarth Youth Action, Penarth Youth Project’s Voice management group, the Children’s Commissioner Advisory Group and Funky Dragon. It all added up to an evening of information and entertainment.

“With the funding secured to employ a forum co-ordinator, we are looking to the future with even more optimism and to strengthening youth participation in the Vale of Glamorgan."

The cherry on the cake, added Tracey,was the help, support and buffet provided by Cllr Williams. She said: "A veritable feast to add to the celebrations. My sincere thanks to Cllr Williams and council staff for their help and support in hosting a wonderful evening."