Youth council marks a decade of triumphs

Saskia Edwards

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OLDHAM Youth Council (OYC) is celebrating a decade of giving the borough's young people a voice.

The democratically elected group has allowed the youth councillors to be heard and listened to not just locally, but by central government and officials in Europe.

The idea of a youth council was first mooted in 2005 when elected members and senior officers recognised there was a need to formally involve young people in decision making.

A year later the OYC was officially launched with 41 democratically elected youth councillors from across the borough's districts, representing the views and opinions of their peers and young people on issues that affect them.

Current Youth Mayor Saskia Edwards said: "It's been ten years since Oldham's young people were welcomed into decision making processes to help shape our communities and tackle the issues which affect us.

"In my four years of involvement I've seen the true value of this organisation, from gaining constitutional rights to working hand-in-hand with leaders through to instilling pride in our town.

"It has been a pleasure to be part of the journey and I'm looking forward to coming back to celebrate 20 years of Oldham Youth Council as I have no doubt it will continue to make a positive difference."

Each youth councillor is elected for a two-year term of office. As part of their role they support their peers and actively engage with the young people of Oldham.

They take on board the views of others and present them to Oldham Council, the United Kingdom Youth Parliament and the British Youth Council so that young people can be engaged in the democratic process.

Throughout the year there is a rolling programme of events and activities, including regular full youth council meetings, attendance at a range of events, and a seat on influential decision making panels.

And it's also fun - exciting things happen in such a short time; from organising celebration events, interviewing for new council staff and its partners, and abseiling 200ft down the Civic Centre tower for fundraising.

OYC was the first youth council in the country to have constitutional rights within the local authority's constitution - including the right to present motions to full council - and in 2009 was the first in the north west of England to establish the role of youth mayor.

Two years ago the youth councillors also moved into a dedicated space in the Civic Centre to meet and carry out its work, further strengthening its working relationship with elected members and officers.

Since its inception OYC has also managed Kerrching - Oldham's Youth Opportunity Fund. This pot of money has benefited youth organisations and thousands of young people by creating opportunities and providing activities.

One of the youth council's biggest achievements was the award winning Every Life Matters campaign, which was launched following the tragic death of 15-year-old Chris Dale, who was killed when a young driver collided with him on Lees Road in 2009.

Within days they organised a petition to have speed reduction devices put at the site - which was a success - and with support from officers for Oldham Council and the Road Safety Team the group applied for funding to run an awareness raising campaign aimed at young drivers.

As well as running a high profile awareness programme, they also produced a drama piece, The Split Second, which was shown at Edinburgh Festival.

In total more than 4,000 young people have seen the performance and taken part in road safety workshops.

Members were also instrumental in delivering Mahdlo, the borough's £5m state of the art youth zone. A development group was formed to secure funding and once this was achieved they worked with the architects and developers to design a centre young people would want to use.

The successful 'I Love Me' initiative - focussing on the emotional wellbeing of young people - has also looked at helping those with mental health needs.

Councillor Jean Stretton, leader of Oldham Council, said: "We are delighted Oldham Youth Council has reached this milestone.

"The youth council empowers young people to take positive action within the borough on issues that affect themselves and future generations. Being a member can also be exciting and beneficial for you in the future.

"Every year it has continued to grow and develop and more young people are now aware of the group. Key decision makers are listening to and acting upon what our young people say.

"Over the years the OYC has been involved in a range of important campaigns and ongoing initiatives, such as Every Life Matters and the Kerrching fund, that have helped to improve the everyday lives of residents of all ages.

"We wish the youth council and its members every success and I'm sure they will continue the good work for many years to come."

If you would like to find out about how you can become a youth councillor or about Oldham Youth Council log onto https://oycevents.wordpress.com.

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