Young peoples’ views are important and the Office of Children and Young People's Service works hard to enable them to be heard.

We are actively involved with young people, other agencies and voluntary organisations in developing ‘Youth Councils’ so that young people can have a say in the local decision-making process.

On the national side, the County Council has been part of a national initiative to form and maintain a Youth Parliament.

Young peoples' websites provide an opportunity for any young person in the County to voice their opinions and feature regular talking points as well as ongoing forums where young people can raise issues.

Young people are encouraged to give feedback about the youth work in which they participate through our quality assurance process and in particular by taking part in our annual Youth Work survey.

A Youth Assembly is currently being set up for young people to engage in a youth led forum for debate and dialogue on issues from the perspective of young people. It will feed into and inform the debate at strategic level through the County Council's Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership. Membership will include young people from schools, UKYP, community Youth Councils, Youth Forums, local Advocacy Groups, Young People's Research Groups and Young Advocates.