Council leaders joined by 200 young people at Walsall youth debate

Two of Walsall Council’s Cabinet members took part in a youth debate last week, which was attended by 200 young people from across the borough.

Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Garry Perry, and Councillor Stacie Elson, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, attended the first-ever KIC Radio Youth Conference on Thursday 24 October 2024.

Hosted at Ormiston and Shelfield Community Academy, the day aimed to give 15–18-year-olds from Walsall the opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns to local, regional and national leaders and change makers.

Following a morning of team-building and physical activities, the afternoon session focused on an interactive youth debate, where young people could pose questions to panel of experts.

Councillors Perry and Elson sat on the panel alongside Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, Simon Foster, Chair of the Youth Justice Board, Keith Fraser, and Mark Brindley from The James Brindley Foundation. 

Young people shared their concerns on pressing topics such as community safety and knife crime, the cost-of-living crisis, homelessness, mental health, education, and employment opportunities.

Speaking about the event, Councillor Perry said, “Having 200 local young people in a room, and being able to speak to them directly and honestly about their feedback and concerns is such an opportunity for us as leaders to sit back and listen to what they have got to say.

“This wasn’t a one-way conversation where young people were spoken at, it was a proper discussion about the feelings and ideas of our young people. 

“I’m Walsall born and bred and know what it feels like to grow up here. Although times have changed, I really want to get the message across to young people that we are here, we are listening, and we are taking direct actions from what they are telling us.

“Thanks to the KIC Radio team for inviting me to be a part of the day.”

Councillor Elson said, “Events like this are really what this is all about, hearing the voices of our young people.

“Their voices are having such influence over our 2040 strategy, and they will continue to do so.

“It was great to share some examples of what we’re doing to involve young people more in our work. This includes developing a Youth Council, which is a direct outcome of our ongoing discussions with the young people in the borough.”

More information about the conference, and opportunities to get involved with KIC Radio, such as their Half Term Radio academy, can be found on their website: https://www.kicradio.co.uk/