Think different, think young people
That's the tag line for a new youth assembly that's launched in the Sevenoaks District, to represent the views of young people in the area.
The socially distanced launch, led by Cllr Lesley Dyball, Portfolio Holder for People and Places saw young people signing the new constitution along with Heather Brightwell, Director of Communities at West Kent and Sarah Gaunt, Youth Hub Delivery Manager at Kent County Council.
A youth conference was held in Sevenoaks in November 2019, which gave young people the chance to express their views on a range of issues. But many of those involved wanted to go further, to make sure they had a regular forum to get their voices heard, and so they had the opportunity to find solutions to the issues that were raised.
West Kent supported the assembly from the outset and is promoting it within the Edenbridge Youth Forum, linking with HOUSE in the Basement (Sevenoaks Town Council’s young people’s forum) and our youth workers will be encouraging involvement across our youth services.
After the launch event, a short debate took place in the Council Chamber about Covid-19, technology and the impact on education and life for young people.
Heather explained why West Kent is so supportive of the new assembly,
“West Kent is in a great position to encourage more local young people to get involved. We share the approach that young people need to be enabled and have their voices heard”
To find out more, follow @SevenoaksDYA on Twitter and to find out more about West Kent’s youth services email youthservices@wkha.org.uk.