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WHETSTONE YOUTH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
WHETSTONE YOUTH COUNCIL
A meeting held at the Council Offices, Cemetery Road, Whetstone on
Sunday 10th November 2002 at 7.00 p.m.
Present:
Oliver Terrett
(Chairperson)
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Ashley Bakewell
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Tom Dunderdale
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Tom Gilbert
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Emma Tapley
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Hannah Wilson
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Apologies:
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Alexa Boor
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Jaclyn
Homer
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Richard Swain
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1) MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 13th October were confirmed as a true and accurate
representation.
2) VOX POP EVENT
On Thursday 7th November Oliver, Ashley, Tom D and Emma attended a ‘Question Time’
style Vox Pop debate at the County Hall organised by the County Youth Council
(CYCLe). Chaired by our very own Anna Pullen, young people from all over
Leicestershire were given the opportunity to quiz council, police, health and
Connexions officials. Due to time constraints and lengthy responses from some
of the panel, they only dealt with about six questions. However, Oliver managed
to extol the virtue of local youth councils to young people complaining about
lack of facilities. Anna reinforced Oliver’s views, along with her plug for the
Boys’ Club. Overall, everyone seemed to enjoy the evening, especially the
buffet.
3) CONNEXIONS
For members who enquired how the youth
council, or individuals could become involved with the Connexions organization
the secretary circulated a list of current youth involvements. The
opportunities range from various committees and forums, training courses,
interview panels, to website design and producing a training video. A
Connexions representative would be happy to meet the youth council and discuss
it further.
It seems the Connexions Card has replaced the NUS card for discount shopping.
However, until it is widely accepted in schools, for attendance registration
etc., over sixteens will have to apply for one through their Connexions
adviser.
4) PLAYSTATION RALLY
The only real obstacle to running a Playstation Rally is the lack of adult
supervision who could ensure the safety of the equipment and users. It seems
unlikely we can get another volunteer to ensure there would be always two
adults available; therefore, we must look to employing a helper. External
funding was one option discussed. The County Youth Council is giving grants of
up to £2000 for ‘Innovative Youth Work’. It was thought extending the project
to include our other equipment – digital camera, computer and Internet access
would broaden the interest, and increase our chance of funding. Along with
computer games we could give computer training, digital photography, desktop
publishing, website design, etc.
Members agreed to submit an application to CYCLe.
5) YOUTH COUNCIL FUNDING
Lack
of adult youth work support is the
major barrier to youth council development. All attempts to find volunteers, or
even paid youth workers through the parish council have failed. The youth
council is not sustainable in the long term without proper funding. Youth
councillors want to retain the existing organisational format, but need
additional support for activities and projects.
One possibility is through the Connexions organisation who have funding for
voluntary groups. The secretary to investigate this with the Council for
Voluntary Youth Service and Connexions.
6) OPTIONS 2002
Through Connexions members are invited to work with
adults and other young people at the forthcoming Options 2002 event at the
Walkers Stadium. Oliver, Emma and Tom D requested further details.
7) FORTHCOMING MEETINGS
The November Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday 21st November at
7.30.
On Tuesday 17th December between 1pm and 7pm a public exhibition of the proposed
traffic calming schemes for Whetstone will be held at the council offices.
There will be opportunity to comment on the plans.
Meeting concluded at 8.30pm - Next meeting Sunday 8th December 2002 at 7.00pm |
