Youth council makes return

THE Surrey Heath Youth Council (SHYC) has received guaranteed funding for 2024 and has been relaunched with a new partner, the children and young people’s charity Learning Space.

The SHYC, which was paused last summer when the previous provider was unable to continue facilitating the scheme, offers an effective way for young people to have a say on the local issues that affect them. It will be made up of 12 active members who will represent thousands of their peers, consulting with as many young people as possible to share their views in weekly meetings.

The SHYC has already held its first in-person and online meetings, with a focus on recruiting new people to get involved in running it, and deciding the focus of the work programme for this year. There will be a recruitment drive in the coming weeks for young people aged over 11, with opportunities for many to get involved across the year throughout term time.

Surrey Heath’s portfolio holder for inclusion and housing Cllr Lisa Finan-Cooke, said: “There is a strong need for the council to ensure that diverse communities across the borough are supported to engage with, and feed in to council processes. Young people are a key part of our community and deserve to have a voice in the work of the council.”

Learning Space manager Gill North said: “It is crucial that we listen to the voices of young people because they bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and invaluable insights that can shape a better future for all.”

If you would like to find out more or know a young person interested in joining, email community.development@ surreyheath.gov.uk