Agenda and minutes

Welcome by Chairman Oscar Prosser and Vice Chair Sydnae Smith

Welcome by Chairman Oscar Prosser and Vice Chair Sydnae Smith

Apologies of absence

Apologies of absence were received from, William Ayrton,

Natalie Moffat, Krish Gohil, Suki Marx and Di Gilson- Butler (Officer)

1.             Consultation (50 mins) – Garden Town Quality of Life mapping project Harlow & Gilston Garden Town Park plans – Ione Braddick

Guest speakers, Ione Braddick, Melissa Lacide, and Matt 

Phillips from the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town project        consulted with the Youth Councillors, ensuring that young people from the Epping Forest district were included in the HGGT consultation. (see appendix A)

Youth Councillor Martin Prinsloo updated the Youth Council about his work and involvement in theYouth Parliament and Young Essex Assembly work.

Discussion on Debate topics with the Southend Youth Council on 26 July

The Youth Councillors are hosting a debate with the Southend Youth Council on 26 July in the Council Chamber. They discussed the debate topic. Topics included:

§  Abortion be legalised in all countries.

§  Wild animals should not be kept in zoos,

§  National Service should be mandatory for young people aged 16+

§  Graffiti should be recognised as art and not vandalism.

§  University should be free to all students aged 16 +

§  Electric vehicles should be made a compulsory purchase to reduce emissions

§  Tackling Climate Action should be the responsibility of the Corporations and not the individual

Feedback from Davenant Foundation school, Leaders school visit - Martin, Suki, Oscar, Erika

Pupils from Davenant Foundation school fed back about the Leader, Cllr. Chris Whitbread’s school visit. Youth Councillors Martin, Olu, Suki, Oscar, & Erika all thought the visit was informative and it was an opportunity for the Leader to meet their Head Teacher Mr Adam Thorne and fellow pupils on the school council.

Update from schools - All Youth Councillors

Braeside

Chigwell

Davenant

Debden Park

Epping St Johns

Ilford County

King Harold

New City College

Roding Valley

The Ongar Academy

West Hatch

Youth Councillors feedback on their schools, they mentioned the teachers who are leaving, Mr Andrew Jones is the new Head of School at King Harold Academy. The Leader, Cllr. Chris Whitbread will continue visiting the Youth Councillors in their schools in the new school year.

Jack Petchey away day ideas

Katie announced Suki Marx is this terms winner. Katie reported that Suki is an outstanding Youth Councillor as she is the youngest representative at her school, yet she is confident to put herself forward for any challenge. Suki recently volunteered to help the district council team during the Bike London event where 25,000 cyclists passed through the district, Suki helped host the children's street painting workshop and promote the smoothie drinks powered by bikes. Suki has made lots of friends within the group and she is highly respected and valued. Suki reported that she would like to organise sign language training for the group.

Youth Councillors discussed away day ideas and the winners discussed how they wanted to spend their £300 grant. Will and Paarth agreed to spend their grants on the cost of a coach to take the group to the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court. They would cover the cost of the lunches whilst in London. Matthew would like to spend his grant on a caving experience at the Lambourne End centre for outdoor education. Sydnae and Natalie are both organising a bowling date for the group, this will include lunch.

Sonny Bazzoni has decided to resign from the Epping Forest Youth Council after serving 2 full years. On behalf of staff and Youth Councillors we all wish Sonny the best and thanked him for his service.

Jack Petechey Awards evening on Monday 11 July @ Sir James Hawkey Hall, Woodford Green @ 19:30 – 21:00 Sydnae, Matthew, Will, Paarth, Sukey will be attending with their parents. Congratulations to all our winners.

Independent Advisory Group (IAG) will meet on Wednesday 13 July, 18:30 – 20:30 at the Zinc Arts centre, Ongar. This is Martin Prinsloo’s final meeting; thanks were given for his 2-year service. Three new Youth Council representatives, Sarah Chufoon, Matthew Carter, and Izellah Harrison will be attending to take up their new position for 2 years as IAG members.

Houses of Parliament Tour is on Monday1 August

Lambourne End Away Day on Tuesday 2 August the activities are Caving, zip wore and project 2022/23 planning.

IPadsare still having problems, Katie will collect broken ones for resetting or repair.