Young have a say on their issues

By Ross Findon

Friday, March 13, 2009

Leyla Hamroush, 17, at the Wight 2B Heard event. Pictures by Robin Crossley.

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The event attracted 200 youngsters, discussing issues including bullying, sexual health and alcohol.

A panel of Island decision-makers, including Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr David Pugh, chief executive Steve Beynon and youth councillor James Dunn, faced a series of tough questions from the group.

With the council recently launching a review of youth services, one of the most hotly debated topics was the future of Island youth clubs.

Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for children and young people Cllr Alan Wells told the conference they were considering a number of ways of improving the service.

“If you look at some of the youth clubs, they are great for the people that use them but not many people go to them. Before we do anything, we would like lots more ideas,” he said.

There were calls for more activities for people aged between 16 and 18, including more PURE events, which are drink and drug-free music nights for teenagers.

There was criticism of the introduction of a scheme in parts of the Island where shops will not serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 at weekends.

Youth councillor Jon Smith said it was unfair to people, 18 or over and entitled in law to buy alcohol, to be stopped by the scheme.

Mr Beynon backed the scheme, however, highlighting figures that showed the Island had higher numbers of young people admitted to hospital with drink-related problems.

A show of hands indicated the majority of young people at the event supported a continental approach to alcohol, with parents encouraged to take more responsibility for educating their children.

Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk