Young People planning to 'takeover' East Riding of Yorkshire Council

TAKEOVER DAY gives young people and children the opportunity to get involved in decision-making in a wide range of organisations.

This year Maggie Atkinson, the Children's Commissioner, wants to encourage 40,000 children and young people to show adults what they can do. She hopes that businesses and organisations will be able to benefit from a youthful fresh look at the work that they do. Takeover Day is a chance to recognise and celebrate the positive contribution children and young people make to society.

Takeover Day is scheduled for Friday 12th November 2010, but the East Riding Council is inviting Young People to debate in the Council Chamber at County Hall Beverley on Thursday 12th November at 10.30am. 

The East Riding Chairman, Councillor David Rudd, is to say a few words of welcome at the start of the event and a short speech of thanks to the young people and the organisers at the end of the event.

Jayne Clarke, youth participation worker for the Youth Assembly, said:

“The response from Schools has been tremendous. They are really keen to get their young people involved and East Riding Youth Assembly is really pleased to help the young people get their views across at this event. Young people are really keen to get their voices heard and they have an awful lot to say on lots of issues. As an Integrated Youth Support Service, we are really trying to find new and effective ways of listening to young people and shaping services to reflect their views and opinions.” 

The ‘Big Deb8’, as the Takeover Day event is called, is supported by all the senior offices of the Council, some of whom will be attending on the day to meet and advise the young people on the issues that are to be debated.

For more information, contact Jayne Clarke on 07919552834.