Think again about young people, says Youth Forum
PR 267
18th October 2006
For Immediate Release
If your image of 21st century youth is a threatening group just waiting to cause trouble, think again.
That was the message from Great Yarmouth Youth Forum which met at the Town Hall on Tuesday (17th). “Older people don’t want young people hanging around, but they won’t let them into a community centre that’s empty for four days a week because they think they will wreck it,” said Katy Molloy, one of the Young people who organised the event.
They believe that the Forum is helping to break down negative stereotypes by showing that young people can make positive contributions to improving facilities and opportunities across the Borough. A recurring theme during the Forum was activities for young people, and ways of involving them in what is provided.
The money available through the new Norfolk Youth Fund provides young people with a rare chance to develop their own facilities and activities. Josh Perry said it was important that funding bids were properly developed, and not just put forward by individuals floating a pet idea. “We are trying to get more groups involved, and more people in each group,” he said.
Vicky Kerry urged young people to get involved. “We need far more activities outside school and college, and there is now a way for everyone to get involved and really make a difference,” she said.
The views of young people at the Forum will also help shape a Borough Council-led bid for Big Lottery Fund cash to pay for playground equipment for teenagers.
The Forum, which was opened by Her Worship the Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Susan Robinson, also heard about arts-based activities available through Seachange, and about the Bus Stop 39 internet-based soap opera (
www.busstop39.co.uk
) that was launched on Tuesday.
For further information please contact:
Peter Nash
Tel: 01493 854661 or 0776 54 96864;
or
Karla Symonds
Tel: 01493 864512
Great Yarmouth Youth Forum is supported by the Borough Council and Norfolk County Council Children’s Services.