Agenda and minutes

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

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

            RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2015 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to minute 158. Youth Parliament ‘Mind’ being replaced with ‘Mark’.

Sarah Burton gave a short presentation about the National Citizen Service (NCS) which was a way for 15 to 17 year olds living in England and Northern Ireland to take part in one of three yearly programmes that contributed at least 30 hours to a social action project. This involved staying away at an outdoor activity centre, meeting up afterwards to learn new skills and meet people from the area and a contribution of an additional 30 hours of social action. NCS takes place outside of term time in spring, summer and autumn and is an inclusive programme for all young people. The cost would be £50, but could cost less or even free depending on your circumstances and provider.

Further details could be found at askncs@ingeus.co.uk or 0121 3866910.

Presentation from a representative of Interact, Peter Dilley.

Peter Dilley gave a short presentation about InterAct, which was a project led by Essex County Council for Voluntary Youth Services. He advised that he was looking for views of young people on the local opportunities for volunteering and asked Youth Councillors to give their opinions and complete a survey questionnaire.

Youth Councillors made comments on the type of volunteering needed to appeal to young people, like creating something for young people, run by young people i.e. festival; to communicate and display information in more places such as libraries, schools and take advantage of social media; and also comments were made about incentives and the flexibility of hours.

Youth Councillors completed the Youth Volunteering in Essex surveys.

To receive any updates on the Youth Engagement Day.

Youth Councillors advised that they had received positive comments regarding the Youth Conference, which provided workshops and debated whether the UK would stay within the European Union.

Chloe asked for the inclusion of Harlow College, in any future debates because a number of young people attend the college that live within the Epping Forest District.

Di advised that a report was being produced which would collated the information from the event and be distributed to the secondary Schools within the District.

Youth Councillors to feedback on any events attended since the last meeting.

1.            Jack Petchey Crystal Awards

Matthew advised that he had attended the Jack Petchey Crystal Awards evening at the City Hall, London. The awards were being given to mark the 15^th anniversary of the Jack Petchey Foundation and the milestone of having invested £100m in youth projects in London and Essex.The EFYC received an award and £1500, which had been used for the Youth Conference.

2.            Remembrance Sunday Services

Chloe, Tom, Joe, Leonora and Evie attended the Remembrance Service in Epping.

Matthew attended the Remembrance Service in Loughton.

3.            Investing in Young People Business Awards

Fatemeh attended the event and won the Individual of the Year award for her volunteering contributions in Waltham Abbey.

4.         Loughton Youth Centre Consultation with Red Balloon Family

Matthew advised that he had attended the Youth Centre in Loughton and that the Red Balloon Family had acquired. The Youth Councillors were shown around the facility and consulted on the ideas for the building.

5.         Child Sexual Exploitation Conference

Joe advised that he and Leonora had attended the conference. Representatives from Essex Police, Epping Forest District Council, Essex County Council and voluntary organisations across West Essex were brought together to raise public awareness and improve co-ordination between the different agenciesin relation to Child Sexual Exploitation.

Youth Councillors to report.

Doncho and Matthew advised that Roding Valley were recruiting year 7 representatives for the School Council and were reviewing their bullying policy. They were also planning a visit to Parliament and were taking part in a production of the Lion King at school.

Joe advised that since Fred, Lucy, George and Nathan were now attending Davenant a meeting with their liaison officer was required to establish who would be representing the Youth Council and in what context.  

Tom advised that Olivia had joined Chigwell and their notice board needed to be updated.

Di advised that there were currently no representatives from Debden Park and West Hatch as pupils have moved schools. Adam Freeman had joined as a representative for King Harold Academy replacing Drew Bridger who recently resigned.

To receive any updates on project groups.

1.            Volunteering Day

Youth Councillors were advised that the volunteering day had been arranged for the February half term 2016 and Youth Councillors were asked to bring a friend.

2.            Updated Tube Map

Matthew advised that a volunteer from the Red Balloon Family was helping the Youth Council update the tube map that publicised the youth activities in the District and some of the Jack Petchey funding would contribute to the print costs.

Matthew/Tom to report.

Matthew advised that the funding for YEA had also been under scrutiny, which had resulted in Youth Services being now managed by the Community Engagement Team.

Matthew would keep the Youth Council informed of any further progress.

Matthew to report.

Matthew advised that the ‘Make your Mark’ campaign results for the Epping Forest delegates were as follows;

1^st - Living Wage;

2^nd - Tackling Racism and Religious Discrimination; and

3^rd - Mental Health

The Youth Parliament voted for ‘Tackling Racism and Religious Discrimination’ and this would be the national campaign for 2016.

Di to present the Youth Council Cup.

The Youth Cup was presented to Doncho for all his hard work, enthusiasm and attendance. Doncho would be attending the Chairman’s Civic Dinner on 18 March 2016 with the other Youth Council Cup winners.  

To consider/award the Jack Petchey Award for the Youth Council.

Youth Councillors were asked to nominate a member for the next Jack Petchey Award. Nomination papers needed to be handed back to DI/Louis and the Youth Councillor would be awarded at the next meeting.

Di to advise.

Matthew advised that both himself and George had attended the #iwill awards and become official ambassadors.

Matthew thanked both Di and Louis for their support regarding the application process.

1.            Victim Support Training Programme

Di advised that there had been a request by Anne-Marie Shinkwinfrom Victim Support to hold a training session with the Youth Council.

The Youth Council agreed. Di to arrange the training for February.

2.            Haven House Children's Hospice

Di advised that there had been a request by Matt Charlton from Haven House Children’s Hospice for him to come and talk to the Youth Council about the Charity and for them to visit the Hospice. 

The Youth Council agreed and invited Matt to the meeting in March 2016.

(a)        The Chairman for the next meeting would be Rose and the Vice-Chairman would be Leonora.

(a)          Notices by Diane;

(b)          Notices by Louis;

(c)          Notices by Gill;

(d)          Any other Notices; and

(e)          Youth Councillor Notices.

(a)                  Notices by Diane;

·                     Elections 2016 – Di advised that with the Youth Engagement Review Task and Finish Panel concluding and the recommendations being considered by the Cabinet on 3 December 2016, work on the election process had been delayed. Current Youth Councillors were asked whether they would like to continue in the interim between April 2016 and October 2016 when the 2016 Election would now take place.

·                     Volunteering Assemblies – Di advised that St John’s Epping had been arranged for 20 January 2016 with Rory and Leonora. Further assemblies were required in Debden Park and West Hatch.

·                     Prevent Assemblies to raise awareness of extremism

·                     Jack Petchey Crystal Awards Grant – The £750 funding received from this award was used for the Youth Conference.

·                     VlogStar challenge – Vlogging training for 16 – 25 year olds which Chloe had expressed an interest in and would respond.

·                     The EFDC Museum Launch – Di advised that the Museum would be marking it’s re-opening by decorating eggs. Leonora had expressed an interest.

·                     Presentation to the Scouts -   Di advised that the Scouts at Traps Hill had asked whether members of the Youth Council could give a short presentation in February for their world challenge badge.

·                     Neighbourhood Action Panel (NAP) – The Epping NAP had enquired whether any Youth Councillors would be interested in attending their meetings. Di advised that Youth Councillors who lived in the Epping area need only apply as NAP was only relevant to local residents.

(b)                  Notices by Louis;

·                     Christmas Social – All Youth Councillors were invited to attend the Christmas Social on 8 December 2015 at Top Golf. Youth Councillors advise Di/Louis to confirm dietary requirements and attendance.

·                     Young Citizen of Year – Interviews would be 16 December 2015 and the winner would be announced at the Chairman’s Civic Awards on 18 March 2016 at Gilwell Park.

·                     Christmas Intergenerational Event – It would be taking place at Grove Court, Waltham Abbey on Monday 21 December 2015 between 1 – 4.30 pm. Youth Councillors were asked to visit local businesses with a copy of their letter to obtain donations for the raffle.

Action: Di to invite the Chairman of EFDC.

(c)                  Notices by Gill;

·                     Chris Overend – Gill paid tribute to the positive impact that Chris had made on the Youth Council and wider voluntary community. Members of the Youth Council also commented on the recent news of Chris passing away.

·                     Attendance – Gill asked all Youth Councillors to advise if they were going to be absent from Full Council meetings and training events as well as training and that attendance was required up until the end of the term of office which was March 2016.

(d)                  Youth Councillor Notices

·                     Matthew and Doncho had created a short film about the Youth Councillors time so far and it could be viewed on the EFYC Facebook page.

To note that the next meeting will be held on Tuesday 12 January 2016 at 19.00 – 21.00 at the Civic Offices.

The next meeting would be held on Tuesday 12 January 2015 in the Council Chamber, Civic Offices.