September 1, 2006 – LSP 6/06

The call has gone out to young people across the district to become involved in a new youth forum that aims to give them a voice on the issues that concern them, as well as involving them in the district’s democratic processes.

Keri Mohan is the district’s first young people’s officer and has spent the last few months getting in touch with teenagers across the district and the organisations that work with them.

“Keri’s initial work has confirmed much of what we already suspected – that young people do want to have more of a say in their local community but feel they either are not being listened to or there is not a way for them to be heard,” said Councillor Doreen Savage, member of the Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership (LSP).

“The LSP agreed to fund Keri’s new part-time post because it recognises the importance of getting young people involved in the way services are provided now and in the future.

“We hope to see a youth forum being set up later this year that will start to give young people across the district an official voice and input into some of the decisions being taken by Suffolk Coastal’s public and voluntary organisations. There are many issues on which young people’s input could bring a fresh and important perspective,” added Cllr Savage.

Young people or youth organisations who would like to get involved in the youth forum, or would like to give Keri their views, can contact her by emailing keri.mohan@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk or by calling or texting 07795 092255 or by writing to her at Melton Hill, Woodbridge IP12 1AU.