Introduction
Participation is the process of sharing power to ensure those experiences, ideas and opinions fully impact on decisions that affect children and young people’s lives. The following are some examples of working with other agencies including parish and town councils.
- Many examples of the active involvement of children and young people in planning related to play and open spaces. e.g: Skatepark developments at Downend / Bromley Heath, Emerson’s Green, Cadbury Heath (current plans for BMX track), design of play areas involving children from Cromwell primary, Longwell Green and Mangotsfield areas.
- Active engagement of children in Planning For Real exercises around priority neighbourhoods (led by Priority neighbourhood’s team). This has included children involved in making the Planning for Real models, and contributing to the process of identifying priorities and actions. Staple Hill, Patchway, Filton, Kingswood, Cadbury Heath.
- UKYP young people made representations on several occasions to elected members about the need for improved transport for young people across the Authority. Councillors initially responded with a commitment to consider these issues when budget setting resulting in an announcement in January 2008 that funds have been earmarked for subsidised transport for young people and after further consultation with young people a youth concessionary fares trial is underway.
- Big Stash (Youth Opportunity fund) process involves many young people including those from vulnerable groups in both the decision making panel and bidding for funds.
- Safer South Gloucestershire and Department of CYP: Substance Misuse services involved young people in recruitment, design of posters and participation in needs assessment regarding substance use.
- A Participation conference launched the participation strategy, attended by over 100 people, involved young people who also facilitated the day.
- Raise Your Voice conference was organised by young people for young people. Attended by over 60 children and young people.
- ‘Use Your Voice’ event held in early February 2010 where young people facilitated and engaged in consultations about: 'Open spaces, sport & recreation in South Gloucestershire and also 'Connexions - competing in the current job market'.