Agenda and minutes

At the last meeting it was agreed that Drew would chair this meeting. Malachi would be Vice-Chairman.

Noted that Malachi was the Chairman for the meeting and Tom was the Vice-Chairman.

            RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2015 be taken as a correct record.

Presentation from a representative of the Red Balloon Family about a future consultation.

Luke Lowrie gave a short presentation on the service that the Red Balloon Family provides in the District and how he would like the Youth Council to help out in a new project in Loughton. The Red Balloon Family provides a way for voluntary organisations, the community and the local authority to make links to create large scale community events, help build networks and encourage these groups to share expertise or resources.

Luke advised that a new project in Loughton was being created between Loughton Town Council and Essex County Council, to provide a facility for young people to go to from 12 – 6 p.m. six days a week at the Loughton Youth Centre, Murray Hall, Borders lane, Loughton. The funding had been raised to provide the service for one year and it was hoped that with the addition of a youth café, the facility would be self sufficient. The opening date had been set for 4 January 2016 and Luke was looking to create a subgroup to help push forward the project.

AGREED that JOE, JULIE, MATTHEW, NATHAN, MALACHI, JAYMEY, LEONORA, FATEMEH and DONCHO would form part of the subgroup and Di would pass on their details to Luke.

Di advised that a volunteer from the Red Balloon Family, Megan would also be helping out with the Youth Council.

Youth Councillors to report on events they have attended since the last Youth Council meeting.

1.            Youth Plus

Joe advised that he and Julie had visited the project for young people with disabilities on the 4 July 2015. They found it a good experience and useful.

2.            Epping Town Show

Malachi advised that he had attend the Epping Town show and spoke to lots of people whilst handing out leaflets.

3.            Jack Petchey Awards Evening

Leonora advised that she had attended the awards evening with Matthew and Joe, where they were presented with their medals and certificates. 

4.            Youth Justice

Matthew advised that 14 July 2015, they had received information regarding the Justice System and had a mock magistrate court.

5.            Meeting Training

Imogen advised that Beejal, a previous Youth Councillor had given training on meeting protocol and how the Youth Council had prepared her for University and building her confidence.

6.    Local Government Training

Doncho advised that Ian Willett had given training on the roles of National Government and Local Government, which explain how they effect the Youth Council and how decisions were made.

To receive any updates on the Youth Debate.

Gill advised that following discussion by both Youth Councillors and Officers some suggestion had been made to the Programme for the Youth Engagement Day as follows;

·         Officers had suggested that the Panel which included the Vice-Chairman, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Community Services and the Chief Executive would answer a few questions asked by the Youth Council as a different type of introduction to the event;

·         Rearrangement of the workshop sessions;

·         Social Media – including a blog from Youth Councillors about the day, update on Twitter and down loads on Instagram;

·         The topic of Debate would be EU Referendum and schools would be advised in advanced to allow for research to be completed; and

·         The participants would be split 50/50 between for and against.   

Other details of the debate would be decided at the sub-group meetings.

To receive any updates on the Volunteering event.

The Youth Councillors confirmed whether they had a friend to bring with them on the volunteering day and were encouraged to bring someone.

Di to report.

Louis advised that the Young Citizen of the Year had been launched. He asked Youth Councillors to raise awareness of the award within their schools and encourage teachers and youth leaders to nominate young people. Youth Councillors themselves could also nominate any young person they felt deserved the award as well.

The form was on the website and could be download and the deadline for submissions was 27 November 2015. www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/youngcitizen

Matthew/Tom to report.

Matthew advised due to other commitments had not attended the last meeting and therefore there were no further updates.

Tom advised that his subgroup were looking at better communication with schools in Essex and the YEA.

Matthew to report.

Matthew advised that ‘Make your Mind’ ballot papers were being distributed in the district and any young person in a secondary school, college or youth group could vote on the 10 issues before the deadline on 10 October 2015. The selected issues  would then be debated and voted on, for the campaign for the year ahead.

ACTION: Any Youth Councillors requiring ballot papers to email or contact Matthew through Facebook.

Youth Councillors to report any updates.

Joe advised that Davenant had now employed a youth  Council Officer who would become the contact point for the Youth Council.

Di advised that co-opted Youth Councillors may be required within the secondary schools that had lost their representations.

AGREED that because of several Youth Councillors leaving their secondary schools that confirmation was required on the schools or colleges they now attended.

Lucy advised that perhaps the candidates that were not successful in the last elections and still attended the schools could be co-opted, as they had an interest in the Youth Council and understood the commitments required.

ACTION: Youth Council Strategy Group to consider the options on co-opted members.

Di presented Malachi with the Youth Council Cup for his contribution to the community and involvement in the Epping Town Show. He would attend the Chairman’s Civic Dinner on 18 March 2015.

1.            Councillor Surtees

Councillor Surtees had a diary clash and on 8 September 2015 but still wanted to attend a future meeting.

AGREED that Councillor Surtees would be invited to the next Youth Council meeting after the Debate on 10 November 2015.

(i)            The Chairman for the next meeting would be Thomas and the Vice-Chairman would be Imogen.

(ii)           Jaymey would present a short talk on his scholarship visits to India and South Africa promoting international volunteering opportunities at the next meeting 6 October 2015.

(a)          Notices by Diane;

(b)          Notices by Louis;

(c)          Any other Notices; and

(d)          Youth Councillor Notices.

(a)                  Notices by Diane;

·                     #iwill – George and Matthew had been both nominated to be #iwill ambassadors. They are required to attend the awards on 24 November 2015 in London.

·                     Jack Petchey Crystal Awards – the Youth Council would receive a one off grant for £1500 and a Crystal Award in October. The Youth Council was one of 150 organisations chosen for the continued commitment to young people and the maintained high management standards that would receive a special Crystal Award to commemorate the foundation’s 15^th Birthday. Matthew had been asked to attend the Jack Petchey Crystal Awards in London because of his attendance and commitment, in relation to the Youth Engagement Review Task and Finish Panel.

·                     Suggestion Cards – Any suggestion cards received by Youth Councillors should be handed to Di immediately.

·                     Safety Communities Event – 26 November 2015, 9 – 2 p.m. at Chigwell Police Club. Permission would be required to attend the event from schools and parents. Youth Councillors interested in the event should contact Di.

(b)                  Notices by Louis;

·                     Volunteering Guides – 14.09.15 Assembly at West Hatch for the volunteering guide distribution.

·                     Public Speaking – 15.09.15 Training.

·                     Invite to Lowewood Museum – 8.10.15 Youth Councillors had been invited to attend the opening of a new exhibition.

·                     Jack Petchey Nominations – All Youth Councillors should complete the nomination form.

(c)                  Notices by Gill

·                     Task and Finish Panel – Gill thanked Matthew and Jaymey for their contribution to Task and Finish Panel and praised their abilities in answering questions directed at them in this process.

To note that the next meeting will be held on Tuesday 6 October 2015 at 19.30 – 21.00 at the Civic Offices.

The next meeting would be held on Tuesday 6 October 2015 in the Council Chamber, Civic Offices.