YOUNG people in Leicester have spent a day with local decision-makers to find out more about their roles, responsibilities and priorities for the city.
Takeover Leicester is part of the Takeover Challenge, a national event organised by the Children’s Commissioner to welcome children and young people into real-life decision-making positions in organisations.
On Wednesday 25 March, more than 20 young people spent the day at Leicester City Council working alongside the city mayor, senior councillors, directors and other staff. They explored a wide range of areas — including education, social care and youth justice — and had the opportunity to discuss the issues that matter to them.
The young people are members of groups such as Leicester Young People’s Council, the Children in Care Council and the council’s Care Experienced Consultants.
Young People’s Council member Muhammad Mahmood, 16, from Beauchamp City college, worked with city mayor Peter Soulsby for the day. He said: “I joined the Young People’s Council because I wanted to get involved in solving problems at a local level.
“I’ve seen the day-to-day lives of the city mayor and councillors and I’ve learned so much from the day.”
City mayor Peter Soulsby said: “We always get a great response from young people when we do the Takeover Challenge. It shows how much young people care about their city, and that they want to help to shape it for the future - and that is certainly inspiring for us.
“By taking part, they are making an important contribution to local democracy. They are helping to ensure that young people’s voices from across the city are heard and valued.”
Assistant city mayor for children and young people, Cllr Elaine Pantling, said: “Children and young people are a vital part of our community and we are proud to support them to speak up and influence decisions about their lives.
“It was wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic young people, hear their ideas and share some of our daily working lives with them.”
The day was organised by the city council’s rights and participation service, which works with children and young people to ensure they can make their voices heard and are listened to.
Karen Manville, head of the prevention service at the city council, said: “It is so inspiring to see so many children and young people wanting to get involved in different areas of the council’s operations and help make decisions. It was a fabulous day and I hope it goes from strength to strength in years to come.”
Find out more about youth participation at https://www.leicester.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/support-children-and-young-people/rights-and-participation-young-people
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Picture caption: l-r Cllr Elaine Pantling with Daniella Olugbenga who worked with her for Takeover Day