Oldham Youth Council is celebrating ten years of helping give young people a voice in the borough and across 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.
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 young people are engaged in the democratic process.
Throughout the year there is a rolling programme of events and activities, including regular meetings, attendance at a range of events, and a seat on influential decision making panels.
OYC was the first youth council in the country to have constitutional rights in the local authority’s constitution and in 2009 was the first in the north west to establish the role of youth mayor.
Two years ago the youth councillors moved into a dedicated space in the Civic Centre, strengthening its working relationship with elected members and officers.
Since its inception the youth council has also has managed Kerrching, Oldham’s Youth Opportunity Fund to benefit 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.
It 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 applied for funding to run an awareness raising campaign aimed at young drivers.
Members were also instrumental in delivering Mahdlo, the borough’s £5million state-of-the-art youth zone and worked with 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 – with the help of trained professionals has also looked at helping those with mental health needs.
Current Youth Mayor Saskia Edwards, said: “It’s been 10 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 with leaders through to 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.”
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 on issues that affect themselves and future generations.
“Every year it has continued to grow and develop and more young people are now aware of the group.
“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.”
To find out about how you can become a youth councillor or about Oldham Youth Council go online.
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