Let’s Talk Youth Conference

Posted at 11:16 am on 11th December, 2017

Wellacre Students Speak Up at ‘Let’s Talk Youth’ Conference

On 24th November, Wellacre students were invited to attend the ‘Let’s Talk Youth’ conference. The event was organised by Trafford Youth Cabinet and held at The Life Centre in Sale.

Wellacre students joined other secondary schools from across Trafford to discuss issues facing young people in the local area, covering topics in workshops such as sustainability, community cohesion, and drugs and alcohol.

Student voice was also heard in a special session, which saw Trafford Council asking students to look into the future and imagine how they want Trafford to look in 2031.  Working in groups with Flixton Girls School, they suggested improvements for Flixton and Urmston.  The main priority they identified was transport and students suggested their own recommendations including regular shuttle buses to the Trafford Centre and an extension to the metrolink out to Flixton.

Finally, Trafford Youth Trust asked students for feedback on which charities they wanted to support this year and each school presented their opinion and voted.  Year 9 Carl Fox represented Wellacre on stage and addressed the audience.

Carl said:

"I felt confident when I fed back to the conference audience on the project Wellacre students believed the Trafford Youth Trust should support in the future.  We selected a project which mentors and supports teenagers in Trafford who are struggling in school.  It was good to have the opportunity to share our opinion."

Mrs Irwin, Teacher of Humanities, added:

“Wellacre students embraced the opportunity to be active citizens and eloquently conveyed their ideas to improve our local area and the opportunities available for young people”

Many local councillors were present on the day. Councillor Linda Evans encouraged students to be involved in the political process, including voting in elections and referendums.  Both Kate Green MP and Cllr Sean Anstee, who recently spoke to Wellacre students via a Digital Surgery, commented on how delighted they were to see young people actively engaged in the event.

Well done to Year 10 students Jabin Choularton-Newton, Reece Brickhill, Shah Ahmad and Adam Merrick, and Year 9 students Tom Martin, Leo Pettecrew and Carl Fox.