Young Voices Make Big Waves at Cornwall’s Annual Conversation

Last Thursday, New County Hall in Truro was abuzz with energy as young individuals from across Cornwall gathered for the impactful third Annual Conversation.

This vital event serves as a platform for the youth to communicate directly with key decision-makers, ensuring their voices resonate in the corridors of power.

Spirited Discussions and Tangible Actions

The evening saw participants break into groups, engaging in animated discussions on critical topics like smoking, vaping, cost of living, community safety, and emotional well-being. They addressed transitional challenges between primary and secondary education and expressed a desire to be heard and valued.

With Cornwall Council’s leader Linda Taylor and chief executive Kate Kennally in attendance, these young advocates laid out actionable plans. Their resolutions included addressing rural access to hobbies, enhancing support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and advocating for a ban on disposable vapes.

A highlight of their collaborative efforts was the initiation of a children’s rights campaign named ‘Take Me Seriously,’ aimed at reinforcing the significance of young voices regardless of age.

Positive Vibes and Empowering Outcomes

Feedback from the attendees painted a picture of an uplifting and transformative experience. Comments highlighted the empowering nature of hearing how their past conversations had influenced council actions, and the inclusive and vibrant atmosphere of the event.

“The whole event was excellent. The energy was really high and the atmosphere was positive,” one attendee remarked, encapsulating the sentiment of the evening.

Media-Savvy Youth in Action

The event also showcased the talents of the Y7 News Team, a group of young journalists under the mentorship of Kernow Education Arts Partnership and former BBC journalists. They adeptly navigated the event, interviewing key figures like Kate, Rachel Wigglesworth, director of public health, and Eveleen Riordan, service director for education and children’s community health.

Their interviews and the videos can be viewed on the Y7 News Team’s Facebook page, providing a youth-driven perspective on the event’s proceedings.

Continuing the Legacy of Youth Empowerment

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, the cabinet member for children and families, expressed her admiration for the young journalists: “I was interviewed by the Y7 News Team and I was hugely impressed with the way they all conducted themselves, questioned us, and held us to account.”

The Annual Conversation is a testament to Cornwall’s commitment to being a prime place for children to grow up, aligning with Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This event not only gives youth a say in their immediate concerns but also ensures their ongoing involvement in shaping a better future for themselves and their community.

For more information and to get involved in future events, visit the Annual Conversation page on Cornwall Council’s website.