Hundreds of young people have their say at youth conference

Over 150 people have taken part in Renfrewshire’s first ever Community Planning conference for young people, held at Trinity High School.

The aim of the conference was to give young people a unique opportunity to share their views on vital community issues, and to collaborate on solutions, with the council and its community planning partners.

The conference brought together six groups of young people who had each made a short film reflecting one of Renfrewshire’s community planning themes. The themes are:

  • Children and young people
  • Community care, health and wellbeing
  • Community safety and public protection
  • Empowering communities
  • Jobs and the economy
  • Sustainable Renfrewshire.

The films can be viewed at Renfrewshire Council’s Community Planning Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/renfrewshire.communityplanning

Councillor Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire Council, said, “We are committed to giving young people the opportunity to be involved in the decisions that affect them and to speak out on the issues that they feel strongly about. This conference gave local young people the chance to comment on the themes which will make up the Community Plan and to shape its priorities. This conference is the first stage in our conversation with young people.”

The young people who attended the event were encouraged to tweet to their friends and classmates about the conference in real time. Their comments reflected the enthusiasm the young people brought to the day.

“I’m not sure politics is dead. Young people seem to be willing to talk about it, which is encouraging.”

“Brilliant quote from Jennifer in the Mary Russell video, ‘What makes you feel respected? Friends.’”

“Got to be the first event where I’m allowed to sit on my phone!”

“Bullying and anxiety is no laughing matter. Deep, deep video there. Definitely enjoyed it.”

“It’s wonderful to rant about the problems in the world and actually be listened to!”

“Feel like I’m missing out, not being at yon Youth Conference.”

Community planning brings together all the agencies which provide services to the public in Renfrewshire including: Engage Renfrewshire, the Federation of Local Housing Associations in Renfrewshire, Job Centre Plus NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Reid Kerr College, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire Leisure Ltd, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, SPT, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Strathclyde Police and the University of the West of Scotland.

The new Community Plan will be published in the Spring.

For regular updates on local news and events follow @RenCouncilNews on Twitter or our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/renfrewshirecouncil.

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X