By Isle of Wight Observer
Young Islanders have been praised for their ideas and enthusiasm, after welcoming the chairman of the Isle of Wight Council to a Youth Council meeting.
Cllr Ian Dore attended to hear, directly, from members about issues affecting young people, and how they can influence local decision-making.
Discussions covered youth clubs, community spaces, anti-social behaviour, and opportunities for young Islanders. Cllr Dore also explained how decisions are made at Full Council.
He said: “The engagement and conversation from the Youth Council was, as always, insightful, rounded, thought-provoking, inspiring, and emotive.”
Youth clubs and community spaces were recurring themes, with members discussing how existing provision, including around 20 Island youth clubs and organisations such as Network Ryde, could be developed. Ideas included outdoor gyms and community spaces, while vice Youth MP, Arthur Wrigley, and fellow members raised concerns about anti-social behaviour and ways to tackle it through collective working.
Cllr Dore added: “It is truly refreshing to hear, and take part in conversations that offer a genuine alternative perspective or highlight things you may not have considered before.
“There was a lot of out-of-the-box thinking in a positive and welcoming environment. The Youth Council is a collective of voices we should all be listening to, and I thank them for the invitation.”
He said he looked forward to receiving questions from members at the next Full Council meeting.
The Youth Council gives young people a voice in local decisions. Islanders aged 11 to 21 can find out how to join through iw.observer/youth-council.