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03
Apr
Ripon Youth Council provides a voice for young people in the city
History was made in Ripon Town Hall on Monday evening when the city's newly-created youth council held its inaugural meeting in the council chamber.
Ripon Youth Council is the latest to be launched in North Yorkshire and provides people aged from 11 to 18 the opportunity and to work on the issues that matter the most to them in the areas where they live, by becoming involved in local democracy and decision making and influencing change in their own communities.
All of the seven attendees at the initial meeting spoke about issues affecting young people living in Ripon and how these could be addressed.
Zoe Bingham, who is 14, said:
There is some anti-social behaviour in Ripon, but it's not always teenagers that are involved in this and it is unfair that they always seem to get blamed.
Beth Murphy, who is 15. pointed out:
There is a lack of activities and places for young people to go in Ripon and this needs to be looked at as soon as possible.
Montgomery Bleiker, believes that there is a need to change perceptions. The 17-year-old, said:
Some members of the older generation have a skewed view of young people, when they only see us as the bad and the ugly.
Now we have the opportunity for our voices to be heard through the youth council and this will hopefully help to change negative perceptions.
Ripon Youth Council members pictured during a brainstormer session
Monday's meeting, which included a brainstormer session in which ideas were shared and goals for the youth council set, saw presentations from Chloe Thwaites, youth voice and creative engagement officer with North Yorkshire Council, Steph Martin of Ripon YMCA and Jo Thackwray, coordinator the Power of 10 organisation, which promotes volunteering in local schools.
The meeting was also attended by city council members Tony Duncan and Barbara Brodigan.
Cllr Brodigan, who represents Ripon's Ure Bank and Spa division on North Yorkshire Council, played a key role in the setting up of the youth council and said:
Being a member of Ripon Youth Council has responsibility. It gives you the opportunity to discuss what is important to you, what you need from the city and what we, as a council, can do better for you.
Through your actions as a youth council representing the young people of Ripon, you will decide what you can do to improve it for all young people, now and in the future.
Further information about the youth council can be obtained on youth@riponymca.org
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