Children, young people, parents and carers have had their say on how to make Medway an even greater place to live, work, learn and visit.
More than 180 people attended a child-friendly City Hall event at The Brook Theatre on Tuesday, 24 May and were given a free Ninja Warrior UK Chatham ticket for taking part.
Residents were invited to discuss Medway’s bright future and how the council is working with young people to make Medway even more child-friendly.
Young people from a variety of organisations including Future Chatham, Medway Champions and the Medway Place Board opened the forum. Newly elected British Youth Council candidates, Jasir and Ventsislav, who represent Medway on a national level, spoke to attendees to encourage them to use their voice and get involved in putting Medway on the map.
At the event, young people spoke about their favourite things to do in Medway, including, visiting parks and greenspaces, going to heritage sites such as castles and having fun with their peers.
Richard Hicks and Cllr Alan Jarrett holding a Q&A at the City Hall event
Attendees took part in a fun trivia quiz before Medway Council Leader, Cllr Alan Jarrett, and Deputy Chief Executive, Richard Hicks, held a question-and-answer session (Q&A). Questions included how children and young people’s voices are heard and the opportunities for learning across Medway. The council Leader and Richard responded with how young people’s voices must shape the future of Medway and can make Medway an even better place. The last question asked how children can be successful, to which Cllr Jarrett responded, by working hard at school and having clear goals in life.
A great amount of feedback was received
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “I was very pleased to talk to so many of Medway’s young people and their parents and carers to find out what they love about Medway and how we can make it even better. We received a great amount of feedback, including the positive comment that the people of Medway are kind and welcoming. I would like to thank those who attended for sharing their views, opinions and suggestions. I would encourage as many children and young people as possible to get involved in the fantastic range of events we have on offer across the summer and have their say on shaping their future.”
As part of our Child-Friendly Medway programme we will continue to hold forums and events to engage with young people and families across Medway to learn what they think are the important issues to focus on for the future.
Find out more about Medway Council’s Child-Friendly Medway ambition.