An improved online package to help children and young people make their voices heard has been launched by Somerset County Council.
Building on an easily accessible toolkit created last year, Somerset Young People’s Voice is designed to give young people a strong voice when it comes to issues that affect them.
The tools are designed for those working with young people who may not have run a consultation before or who may be new in their post and need some guidance. It’s also useful for those who want to expand their skills.
It includes tailor-made training packages and downloadable information and aims to help adults make engagement and consultation more meaningful for the young people – whether that’s getting involved in consultations or reviewing and feeding back on local services.
Councillor Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Listening to the voices of children and young people is essential for anyone involved in providing the services that affect them.
“It leads to better outcomes for children, young people, their families and carers, and their communities. That means this toolkit has the potential to make a real difference and I’m delighted that it’s now available in this really accessible, online format.”
Somerset Young People’s Voice can be found on the County Council’s recently refreshed website:www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-communities/somerset-young-peoples-voice/
It was originally developed by the Somerset Children’s Trust Participation Workers Network, a multi-agency group of skilled participation and engagement workers.
