By Tilly Walder
Thirty-five young people attended the Youth Voice Conference in Newport Minster over the weekend, an event that received support from the Island’s MPs as well as the High Sheriff.
The day comprised of many exciting opportunities, including information on resources on the Island to support young people. A highlight for one attendee was the Q&A session, hosted by Richard Quigley MP and Joe Robertson MP, where they ‘enjoyed learning about what the MPs’ plans were towards issues that are of concern to young people’.
A wide variety of more than 20 organisations created the Marketplace of Opportunities, which included the Isle of Wight Council, Wightlink, and mental health services MHST and Kooth.
Six youth providers and organisations signed up their young cohort to attend, including the Isle of Wight College, Breakout Youth and Fire Cadets.
The afternoon led to two discussion topics: “Your Voice, Your Island,” where attendees were asked what their priorities were if they were the IW Council, and “Build a Charity,” which had them designing services for their own fictional youth-based charity.
One young person commented: “My favourite part of the day was to be able to hear the concerns that other young people were concerned with, and how they think we should fix said things.”
Victoria Lawton, youth engagement officer, emphasised: “A massive thank you to the young people, both MPs, the High Sheriff, the base leaders, and all the organisations that attended the Youth Voice Conference. I’m incredibly proud to see so many young people actively engaging, sharing their ideas, and shaping the future. The feedback you have provided is amazing, and I hope you enjoyed the day. Your voices matter, and your involvement is a powerful step towards creating positive change.”
Isle of Wight Observer