Sometimes someone else has a blog so good...let's hear it for amazing young people...http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/content/blog/content_350
20 September 2010 - Young festival goers make their voices heard at Big Shout event
I spent Sunday at the Brathay Trust near Ambleside, which runs Cumbria County Council's participation activity. I was with 600-plus young Cumbrians at the second annual Big Shout, a free young person's festival. The event was originally a 17-year old's idea and last year drew 300 or so young people, this year the numbers doubled.
Big Shout is planned and managed by a group of young people, whose peers came from all over the county to enjoy it. It features: young rock, folk, jazz and rap performers, entertainments, a chill-out area, food and drink, competitions, the chance to learn magic, circus and outdoor adventure skills and a range of arts and crafts opportunities. We also met snakes, a pink tarantula, and a splendid golden eagle! At the event, there was an important questionnaire that most young people filled in about aspects of their lives. The results will be used to inform local service delivery.
The young people could also find out about health services, get advice on everything from volunteering opportunities to education, and Connexions were also there and very well used. Big Shout's planners decided before last year's first event that they wanted to bring young people from a scattered, largely rural, and as they told me "often personally isolating" county, together for one great event. "We get to know people from all over the county, talk to people who can help us or give us advice, and we have a great time as well."
I met with a group of around 20 young Cumbrians who shared their thinking with me. They were keen to be seen as the young citizens they are, and to be listened to by adults who make decisions about their lives. Several County Councillors spent time with their young people. I spent time with as many of them as possible during the festival. They said it had been a fantastic day, a great way of both getting information, and making their voices heard. I wish them well as they plan future events. It was terrific!
By Maggie Atkinson, Children's Commissioner for England
http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/content/blog/content_350
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