Back in May the 2010-11 UK Youth Voice group had their last weekend meeting before their July youth conference. The meeting allowed the young people to make the final plans for the event. Workshops were practiced and the schedule confirmed. The only thing left to do was to elect the next Chair and Officers, who begin their roles immediately after the event! 

Up to the test

As part of the election process, each candidate for Chair has to deliver an ice-breaker session to demonstrate their communication and facilitation skills, as well as delivering a speech and answering questions put by other members. It was a testing time for all, but they rose to the challenge!

The Officer team for 2011-12 is: 

• Rachel Aston (Chair), 
• Ana Baptista (Vice Chair), 
• Meyada Ali (Treasurer), 
• Carys Jones Williams (PR and Media Officer) and 
• Matty Down (Vice Secretary).

The new Chair reacted to her appointment with great anticipation: “An amazing weekend! So happy to be voted Chair...can't wait for the conference and my second year! All of our members, with [support worker] Claire make an amazing team!”

Straight into action

The soon-to-be Chair of UK Youth Voice is already taking on the responsibilities of her role.

Alongside the ‘old’ PR & Media Officer, Mitan Patel, Rachel Aston made a presentation and ran a session for the members of the Executive of the European Confederation of Youth Clubs. On May 20, Rachel and Mitan gave a presentation to representatives of youth organisations from across Europe on ‘How to involve young people in your organisation’, based on their experience with UK Youth Voice.

Conference themes

This year’s youth conference, entitled Skills: A Taste of..., was held over the weekend of July 8-10 at UK Youth's head office at Avon Tyrrell Activity Centre. The successful event focused on essential lifeskills, with the overall message: “Help Others, Help Yourself, Help Many, Help Inspire!!!”

UK Youth Voice members prepared interactive workshops, with themes covering:

• First Aid (Help Others)
• Understanding mental health and wellbeing (Help Yourself)
• Event Management (Help Many)
• Art and Media Sessions (Help Inspire)

There were opportunities for participants to share their talents and discuss what they are passionate about. There was also plenty of time to chill out and meet new people – including a Pool Party, BBQ and music on Saturday night!

click here for more about UK Youth Voice.