The forum is a great opportunity for people who have a passion
for bettering the lives of other people. It’s not all hard work
though, and there are great opportunities for you to earn vouchers,
achieve your Duke of Edinburgh Award and go on youth exchanges -
possibly to New York or Spain. So come along and make a
difference!
Kelly (20, London W10)
W
hat is the Youth
Forum?
The Youth Forum provides opportunities for young people in the
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to debate, inform and
actively participate in the development and improvement of services
for young people. This forum is supported by the borough’s
Youth Participation Team
Who can be on the Forum?
Any young person aged between 13 and 25 (although the focus of
the service is on those aged between 13 and 19) who lives or
attends school/college in the borough.
I would recommend that other young people join the Youth Forum
because it has made me a more professional person and I also look
at life differently.
I have been with the Youth Forum since November 2006, as I feel
that I am making a positive contribution to youth services within
the borough. I have also been given numerous opportunities to
progress in my personal learning. For example, as part of the Youth
Forum I was made aware of a coaching course that I was interested
in and have now completed.
Sellam 18 (SW5)
What does the Youth Forum do?
The Youth Forum has been involved in a range of activities,
including:
- carrying out research into what young people want from their
Council
- debates about local, national and global youth, democracy and
citizenship issues
- organising local events
- developing publicity to promote events and services for local
young people
- going on residential trips and international youth
exchanges
- attending conferences and events, including supporting the
2012 bid and UK Youth
Parliament
- being part of the interview panels for employing staff
The Youth Forum helped me with my confidence and speaking out
loud. It helped with my vocabulary and has been a learning
experience.
I have been a member of the Youth Forum since 2005 and have
taken part in police and park consultations, as well as youth
exchange programmes. I have completed my Bronze and Silver Duke of
Edinburgh Awards and I am currently working towards my Gold
Award.
I am now a qualified Peer Educator in Global Rights; which I did
through the Youth Forum. Other young people should join the forum
so that they get a chance to take part in these
opportunities.
Shanika (18, London W10)
How much of my time would I need to give to the Youth
Forum?
The Youth Forum meets every two to three weeks on a Friday
evening, from 7pm to 9pm.
What will I get out of it?
As an individual, you will gain a whole range of personal and
social development skills, including:
- team working
- interview skills
- problem solving
- public speaking skills
- accreditation towards nationally recognised awards including
the Duke of Edinburgh Award
You may also have opportunities for both national and international
travel.
I think anyone who joins the Youth Forum will be exposed to the
best the borough has to offer for young people, but not only that,
they will be able to bring in other young people to enjoy the
privileges and make new friends and gain skills they can use
outside the Youth Forum.
I have been a part of the Youth Forum since February 2008 and
have been involved in mystery shopping, young people's days out and
consultations. I have also had the chance to review the Youth
Opportunity Fund applications.
Overall, I have learnt a vast board of skills from public
speaking, to minute taking, communication skills and have been
accredited for some of my work.
Acie (19, London SW5)
How do I join?
Just complete the form below and the youth forum will be in
contact with you.