'U're Right 2 B'

LAUNCH OF A MANIFESTO FOR CHANGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

DCYPC asked over 200 other young people across County Durham what should be changed for young people and how it should be changed.  We have now published what young people had to say in a report called 'U're Right 2 Be - Young People's Views on Living in County Durham and How to Make it Better'.  Over 700 Young people signed our petition in support of the manifesto.

It was launched on the 12^th December 2002 at County Hall, in front of County Councillors, Council Officers and young people from all over County Durham.  The manifesto was presented by former DCYPC Chair Michelle Fortune, and the previous Secretary Laura Dent.  This event gave us the chance to present the manifesto to the County Council and other agencies.  Care in Durham also presented information on Young People looked after in County Durham.

The population of County Durham is decreasing as more and more young people are leaving due to the lack of opportunities offered to them locally.  Young people feel they should be consulted in what goes on and asked their views because in a few years time they will be the ones that have to live with the changes that are made.  Our aim, in creating this manifesto, was to create a new way of expressing the needs, wants and aspirations of the young people in County Durham.  To achieve this we consulted with almost 200 other young people in youth groups and schools across the County.

 Durham County Council Leader Ken Manton gave a speech in response to the report, saying:

"We have listened closely to what this group has said in the past and it has been instrumental in initiatives involving issues such as bullying in schools and public transport.?? 

DCYPC also received a statement of support from Steven Twigg, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Schools.  Steven Twigg keenly supported the issues expressed in the manifesto and concluded that: 

 ??When policy-makers make a commitment to listen, it?s important that children and young people take the opportunity to get your voices heard.  That?s why I applaud so strongly the work that the Children and Young People?s Council have done in producing this manifesto.??

The event was our chance to put forward the views of Young People across County Durham.  DCYPC would like to thank everyone for their help in producing the manifesto, and hope that the County Council will take the recommendations into consideration.  As young people we can be independent.  All we need is guidance, encouragement and a helping hand to get us started on our journey, a journey to make things better for each other and ourselves.

To get a copy of the manifesto call us on 0191 3849745 or e-mail dcypc@btconnect.com

To see the privacy policy for our website just click on the words.