The first ever districtwide forum for young people is now up and running, and Suffolk Coastal Teen Voices (SCTV) could help change the future as it aims to put everyone in the picture about what young people really want.

Created with the support of Suffolk Coastal’s youth co-ordinator, Keri Mohan, the group has quickly found its own voice and helped make spending decisions that has seen money allocated to local projects.

“We decided to call ourselves SCTV and our targets are to promote the reputation of youths in Suffolk Coastal, proving that the majority of us are not the assaulting, vandalising ‘yobs’ that sections of the media so often likes to describe us as,” said SCTV’s Alexander Stewart who comes from Felixstowe.

“We want to raise the awareness of young people’s need to local services, such as transport, as well as developing activity programmes with Suffolk Coastal’s sports and leisure teams.

“SCTV will also be getting out to interview people at various events, like this month’s Suffolk Show, to find out what youths want in their own areas and finding out what adults really think of us,” added Alexander.

SCTV’s work has already gained it £7,000 of funding from the Youth Opportunity Fund which will help towards equipment, transportation and volunteering expenses.

Its successful bid also includes a training programme for SCTV members so that they can take part in the selection process for new youth workers, teachers and even head teachers.

Members of SCTV were involved in recent spending decisions on the Youth Opportunity Fund and the Youth Capital Fund which saw £100,000 invested in 15 different local projects.

“SCTV is already extremely busy and after only two meetings we can see our group is going to make a difference in the Suffolk Coastal district. We are calling on any young person in our area to give us their ideas or complaints. We are here to make a difference so get in touch with us.

“We would also keen to hear from or work with any local business or organisation that works with young people or would benefit from a SCTV perspective on how they could change or improve things for this district’s teens,” added Alexander.

SCTV is assisted by Keri Mohan and anyone wanting more information can contact her by emailing keri.mohan@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk or texting her on 07795 092255. You can also write to Keri or SCTV at Suffolk Coastal District Council, Melton Hill, Woodbridge IP12 1AU.

“I am delighted with the formation of SCTV and have already attended part of one meeting of the group. I am hoping to meet with them again to discuss various ideas and issues with them to bring before the LSP Board as well to Suffolk Coastal’s Cabinet and Councillors,” said Cllr Doreen Savage, LSP Board Member.

The Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership funded Keri as the district’s first young people’s officer because it recognised the importance of getting young people involved in the way that services are provided now and in the future.