Youth Engagement

Young people's voices must be heard - we proactively make this part of our work.

Information on Youth Voice is subject to change.

The term "Youth Voice" refers to the ways in which young people can express their interests, needs, and perspectives regarding decisions that affect their learning and lives. They can express their voices in a variety of ways and through different methods. Young people being able to express their voice relies on them having a platform to do this as well as being listened to, leading to empowerment, a sense of belonging and feeling valued.

Youth Forums

A youth forum is run and developed by young people for young people. The purpose of youth forums is to represent the views of young individuals, providing them with the opportunity to express their ideas, opinions, and needs. This forum creates a space for young people to discuss important issues, engage with decision-makers such as youth workers, our governance board, and staff from other organisations, and contribute to the improvement and development of services for young people, especially our own.

Local Youth Forum meetings take place monthly or quarterly at each of our youth clubs and adventure playgrounds. These sessions are made up of 5 to 10 local young people who are regular users of the service.

This is the platform where young people can make suggestions, changes and keep staff aware of what they feel are the needs for young people in their local community. They can bring up any matters that they feel need to be discussed, for example, accessing some additional support when they come to the Adventure Playground or Youth Club. Most things that are mentioned in this forum can be ongoing ideas that get implemented but the suggestion of shorter-term projects and activities can also be discussed. 

Once each term, typically during the half-term break, we hold a Borough-wide Youth Forum meeting. This meeting includes young people from our programs across the Borough, as well as members from individual Local Youth Forums. During these gatherings, we focus on a relevant and topical issue chosen by the young people, with input from our partners. Recent topics have included social media, knife crime, healthy relationships, and fundraising.

Here's what some of our staff have to say about the Youth Forum...

  • “An opportunity to let young people know what’s happening” 
  • “Youth Forums give young people a sense of belonging, challenges them to problem solve”
  • “Allows YP to develop skills and get involved in things they can do later in life”
  • “Be included and be a voice for YP that may not attend Youth Provision”  
  • “Setting targets, achieving goals”  
  • “Take ownership/ Give back to their community” 

At the Boroughwide you can expect to take part in activities, talk to specialist organisations and share ideas, knowledge and opinions with other young people.  You will also hear about organisation updates, opportunities and other projects in the Borough.

Why join a Youth Forum?

  • Gain/Increase confidence
  • Learn new skills
  • Make a difference
  • Build new relationships
  • Add it to your CV/college applications/UCAS
  • Be empowered and take a lead in decision making
  • See your ideas come to life
  • Earn rewards
  • Because it's fun!

How to join

  • Speak to a member of the team at your local youth club or adventure playground to sign up! (remember spaces are limited) 
  • Look out for the Youth Forum meeting poster to know when the next meeting is taking place.

Contact

Lauryn Yowa

Youth Voice Coordinator

Email: lauryn.yowa@lewisham.gov.uk 

Mobile: 07957198303