What is the Children’s Forum?

The Children’s Forum is all about participation. Under UN Article 12, children are citizens, sharing the same fundamental rights to participate and have a say in services and decisions that affect their lives as adults. The Children’s Forum provides opportunities for children in the borough to debate, to inform and actively participate in the development and improvement of services for children.

Who can be on the Forum?

Any child aged 8 – 13 who lives or attends school/college in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

How much of my time would I need to give to the Children’s Forum?

We hold two forums, one in the North and one in the South. We meet fortnightly from 4 to 5.30pm

• The North Forum takes place at the Harrow Club, 187 Freston Road, London W10 6TH
  Time: Mondays from 4pm to 5.30pm
  Dates for Summer Term 2008: : 28 April 2008; 12 May 2008; 2, 16 and 30 June 2008; 14 July 2008
  
• The South Forum takes place at Park Walk Primary School, Park Walk, London SW10 0AY
  Time: Wednesdays from 4pm to 5.30pm
  Dates for SummerTerm 2008: 30 April 2008; 14 May 2008; 4 and 18 June 2008; 2 and 16 July 2008

What does the Children’s Forum do?

The Children’s Forum has been involved in a range of activities. Here are some of the things we’ve done or are doing:

• Discussions about local, national and global youth, democracy and citizenship issues
• Developing publicity to promote services and policies for local young people
• Taking part in internal participation training sessions for RBKC staff
• Attending external conferences and events including the Family and Children Services Leadership conference in March 2008
• Helping to develop a guide to involve children in recruiting staff for RBKC
• And much much more!

How do I join?

For more information and to find out how you can join the Children’s Forum. Email the Children Participation team chif@rbkc.gov.uk