Youthforia (YOFO) is an event created by Youth Focus NW, working with Youth Councils across the North West to empower the voices of young people, giving them the opportunity to meet like-minded people across six days a year and one residential.

We were both fortunate enough to take part in the residential for the second year and it was better than ever!

On Friday 19th April we got to leave school after two periods to be picked up by one of your Youth Workers to drive to Ambleside, in the beautiful Lake District. 

We got to take part in campaigning and debating workshops, canoeing and a high ropes course. As well as these activities, stimulating conversation about numerous diverse topics and issues people face, the Youthforia residential provided a space where we can interact with other young people, form strong friendships and have an insight into what other people’s lives are like as well as the brilliant work that other Youth Councils are getting up to.

Young people also had the opportunity to vote for someone out of their assigned workshop groups to represent an argument in what is called the “Big Debate”. 

Isabelle:

We did a mini debate in our workshops and I was lucky enough to be selected by my group to represent the for side of the debate along with four other young people as my team mates. I got the opportunity to introduce the debate and my team mates’ views on the question (‘Is crime effected by your identity?’) in a short speech to the rest of the young people there. I am very proud of this as there were a lot of people and I really got a chance to practise my public speaking skills.

A huge part of the weekend was getting the chance to network with other young people. Over the weekend our youth council met people from 22 other youth councils across the North West giving us a brilliant opportunity to meet new friends. We got along well with everyone we met and it was very refreshing to be open and natural without judgement. We both are confident in saying that we are the best versions of ourselves there. We settled in great with the people; everyone wants you to do well, it gives you the confidence to speak in front of about 120 people.

Lucy:

The highlight of mine and many others was the Disco. On the Saturday night, there was the option to go to the Cinema Room, Bonfire, Games Room and of course the Disco. One of my favourite memories was getting hyped up with my friends and inviting new people we had met (and not previously known so well) to come and dance with us. Overall, the whole weekend felt like a celebration of our youth and we created a family – like bond with our youth council which got stronger as the weekend went on and it was an amazing chance to meet people who we wouldn’t have met otherwise. 

Members of Cheshire East Youth Council have said that it was one of the best weekends ever and they have all absolutely loved it!

To anyone who has an interest in making the world a better place, life better for young people or even just looking for a place to belong and be seen we deeply encourage you to join Cheshire East Youth Council. You can develop an ability to think deeper and question systems around that don’t always feel right. Youth council can also give you the confidence and the freedom to express yourself in a safe and loving environment. It’s an open and including space that tackles important issues in our community in a safe and supportive way.

Members of youth council have given us their feedback:

“You’re able to express yourself and your ideas without being judged.”

“It has really changed my life,” [confidence wise, self-worth extra]

“Youth council really feels like a little family to me and I am so glad I joined.”

“I love this organisation and how they make me feel; I love the person I am there; I can embrace who I am there easier than anywhere else.”

Finally, we think it is very important to highlight how profound Youth Workers are and the power they hold to develop the youth voice when we are notorious for not always being listened to. We want to thank all Youth Workers for the hard work put into the YOFO weekend and the dedication to Youth Council that they give.

If you are interested in joining, please email Annie Britton – [email protected]

Thank you for reading,

Isabelle and Lucy 

Follow Youth Focus NW on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Youth-Focus-North-West/61553462221561

Last modified: July 4, 2024

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