Learn to lead is working with 18 schools and 12 youth groups across Cornwall to establish a model of co-production so that children and young people are intrinsically involved in working together with Council youth and care workers to bring about the changes they want.
Training has been provided to the Council (and will include councillors), key partners and providers, and young people. An on-line survey for all young people in Cornwall has been created and Learn to lead facilitated a 2 day workshop for 20 young people, including some in care and on pupil premium, some with disabilities, some unemployed and also some members of Cornwall Youth parliament.
Some of the issues they raised were:
- More young people involvement in local decision processes is needed
- Lack of transport to places and young people often can’t afford to go anywhere
- There is a large drug/alcohol abuse problem
- Stereotyping can cause young people to be considered a threat
- Communication between different youth groups could be better
- Not enough influence from young people on use of resources on the ground i.e. buildings
And some of the answers they came up with were:
- Co-production in delivering council projects needs to happen now.
- Create a network of Young Peoples services through social media, physical meetings etc.
- Find effective means of networking using social media.
- All youth groups in Cornwall should be consulted on decisions and plans, especially ensuring greater involvement from the start of projects.
What Young People say:
“I am here because I think that all young people deserve a voice and adults cannot see and feel as a young person does, but still try to help young people, but they struggle because they don’t know what we want.”
“I am here because I heard about Learn to Lead and wanted to find out more. I want to improve facilities for young people. I think young people know from experiences they have had how to make things better and they need to be able to get involved and make things happen.”