Member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group Abigail Amponsah recently presented the 2024-2030 Somerset Children and Young People’s Plan at the Informal Executive Board. A daunting sounding experience that Abi absolutely excelled at. Below Abi shares her experiences of the board meeting.
On the 29th of July I joined Fiona Phur Service, Partnership & Business Manager and Leon Isaac from the Somerset in Care and Leaving Care Councils (SiCC and SLCC) at the presentation of Somerset’s Children and Young People’s Plan to the Informal Executive Board. Sounds scary, no? I was given this opportunity through my volunteer work with Somerset Youth Forum and as a member of the Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
We spoke to Council Members in detail about the plan and the six priorities young people in Somerset voiced.
Dear reader, hear this! I’ve presented to the Children’s Commissioners for England Team before in London, and I’ve presented and facilitated workshops before but speaking there felt so daunting. I remember the initial panic I felt stepping into a quiet, open room, small microphones on our table with our backs to a large projection screen. But it was also so worth it!
The six priorities in the plan were:
- Having the best experience in education
- Leading healthy lives
- Good mental health and wellbeing
- Living in safer communities
- Building great relationships
- Well prepared for adulthood
Leon and I were able to represent youth voice on these issues, through our conversation about sexual health, relationships, mental health etc. And even though there’s so much to say and consider, yet limited time in a presentation hopefully we succeeded in emphasising the importance of the plan to services and young people.
My thoughts: More councillors, adults, press and organisations care about young people and their health and wellbeing, than I realised. The more I am introduced to them, the more work I can see going on in the background. At home, on social media, on call with my friends none of this is apparent, but there in those important rooms is a push towards improving and pacifying these sorts of social issues! With the hard work done behind the scenes, I really hope it’s now only a matter of time before the young people of Somerset reaps the rewards of positive change!
⭐️Note: Opportunities like this are open to teens and children living in Somerset! If interested reach out to Somerset Youth Parliament or/and Youth Forum (where I came across these opportunities)’
Abi ❤️
If you would like to read the new 2024-30 Children and Young People’s Plan, click here.
The launch of the Children and Young People’s Plan
Abi was also kind enough to join the Somerset Council Engagement and Participation team at the Somerset County Cricket Grounds for the launch event for the new Somerset Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP) at the Somerset Moves Strategy Partner Engagement Event. Joined by representatives from Youth Forum and the Somerset in Care and Leaving Care Council (SiCC and SLCC), Abi took to the stage to introduce the CYPP as well as answer questions.
Youth Parliament
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, click here.
Youth Forum
Young people across Somerset are encouraged to scrutinise Somerset’s services through a youth-led forum, where topics affecting them are discussed, their views collected and their voices shared, this helps Somerset deliver safe services for young people and families. Youth Forum meets monthly over Teams, in addition to discussing important topics we also have quizzes and games.
If you would like to join in or become a member of any of our Youth Voice Groups please fill in our Expression of Interest Form
SiCC and SLCC
The Somerset Care Council is a forum where young people in care or care leavers can have a voice about their lived experiences. This voice can help shape and review the services you use.
Through the core group, the creatives or the film crew, care experienced young people can contribute through doing surveys, creating films, interviewing new staff, contributing to our newsletter, attending virtual meetings or being connected through email or social media. Their views and opinions help to improve the way services are shaped in Children’s Social Care at Somerset Council.
For more information on SiCC and SLCC and to join, visit their website
