Let’s Talk Youth 2019

Posted at 10:38 am on 27th November, 2019

Young People Speak Out at Trafford Conference

Year 9 Wellacre students attended the annual Trafford ‘Let’s Talk Youth’ Conference at the Life Centre, Sale, on Thursday 14th November. 

The Trafford Youth Cabinet gather schoolchildren from schools across the county every year to provide an opportunity for young people to engage with a wide variety of peers and guest speakers, and to reflect on current issues.

Students engaged in a wide range of activities surrounding current affairs and concerns facing young people and were invited to respond with their thoughts and ideas.  Workshops on climate change and renewable energy, as well as sessions on knife crime and public health raised important issues for reflection and discussion.

Mr Gillan, Teacher of Humanities, said:

“Our students thought carefully about the issues facing young people in Trafford and suggested potential solutions to these problems, before presenting their ideas on stage to the audience. The opportunity to take part in the conference has raised students’ confidence and encouraged engagement in the decision making that goes on in their local area.” 

All school groups were tasked with designing a political party and creating a brand and manifesto before taking to the stage to stand in an election.  Wellacre students were voted the 2nd most popular party out of 11 local schools, for their focus on key issues including banning single use plastic, improving local sports facilities and providing free sanitary products in schools.

Year 9 student, Billy, said:

“I enjoyed meeting people from other schools, taking part in the workshops and listening to a range of opinions about Trafford.”

Fellow Year 9 student Ashley added:

“All of the activities were fun and I left the conference feeling inspired by the speakers and the tasks we completed. I would love to go again!”

Well done to Year 9 students Anthony, Ellis, Leo, Niall, Ashley, Harry M, Harry C and Billy.