I recently had the privilege of attending the Devon Youth Council’s flagship event of the year here in Tiverton, and I left feeling genuinely inspired about what’s possible when young people are given a platform to speak and decision-makers are willing to listen.
A Day of Powerful Voices
The event brought together members of the Devon Youth Council alongside guests from Space Youth Services, Barnstaple Town Youth Council, and Sidmouth College School Council. Together, they presented their research, shared personal experiences, and highlighted positive examples of successful community initiatives to over 40 local councillors and decision-makers.
The focus of the day was “Places to Go, Things to Do” – identified as the number one issue for young people in Devon through the council’s annual youth vote earlier this year. It’s a topic that resonates deeply: young people need spaces where they feel welcome, activities that engage them, and opportunities to connect with their communities.
Real Outcomes, Real Commitment
What struck me most was that this wasn’t simply a talking shop. The Devon Youth Council is now looking to launch four co-production groups to take action on:
• Promoting a culture of inclusion – creating safe spaces for young people across Devon.
• Exploring transport costs – addressing one of the key barriers young people face in accessing activities.
• Creating a web-based directory – making it easier for young people to find out what’s available to them.
• Supporting 18- to 25-year-olds – working with Space Youth Services to consider provision for this often-overlooked age group.
An Inspiration for Tiverton
Watching so many young people speak bravely about their experiences and articulate their need for change and better communication was truly moving. It demonstrated what can happen when young people are given genuine opportunities to shape decisions that affect their lives.
It’s also got me thinking. Could we do something similar here in Tiverton? I’m now exploring ways in which we might give young people in our town a stronger voice – perhaps through a youth council of our own. If young people in Barnstaple and Sidmouth can have this kind of representation, why not Tiverton? To that end I’m part of a facilitator’s group looking at exactly this, and will report on our successes.
So watch this space. And in the meantime, a huge well done to everyone involved in making the event such a success.
If you’re interested in youth engagement or have ideas about how we could better involve young people in Tiverton, I’d love to hear from you.