What can be learned from this project?
• Children can play a valuable role in finding lasting solutions to local issues, and often bring a fresh perspective to problems. Getting children involved in the decision making process nurtures their sense of community and responsibility. One former member of the Children’s Forum went on to be elected to the national Children and Youth Board, set up by the government to provide advice on issues affecting children and young people.
• The Children’s Forum brings adults and children together for half-day workshops. To get the most out of the sessions, it’s important to build trust quickly and making time for fun activities at the beginning of the workshop is a good way to do this. Having children introduce the meeting and welcome the adults is another way of increasing their sense of trust and ownership.
The Forum gives
young people a voice
in the community
• Local service providers show their commitment to the Children’s Forum initiative by pledging from the outset to take action based on the children’s views and recommendations.
• The Children’s Forum was independently evaluated in May 2006, through interviews with headteachers, teachers and children from the participating schools as well as local stakeholders and the Partnership Council team. The evaluation found that the children felt that their views were valued and that they had made a difference to the local community. Everyone interviewed was keen for the model to be extended to a wider area. The independent nature of the evaluation meant that it provided valuable evidence for presenting to current and prospective stakeholders, partners and funders.
Topics associated with this project
Decision making, East Midlands, Environmental, Neighbourhood, Partnership working, School