Inaugural Pembrokeshire Youth Poverty Summit celebrated
Dathlu Uwchgynhadledd Tlodi Ieuenctid Gyntaf Sir Benfro
Young people from across Pembrokeshire came together for the county’s first Poverty Summit for young people, with those attending from secondary schools, Pembrokeshire College and training providers.
There have been successful summits held in previous years with adult decision makers, but this year it was a chance of young people to share their experiences and ideas about what poverty really means and how it affects different parts of everyday life.
Key to the Thrive. Ffynnu. Youth Poverty Summit was working together on what can be done to make things better for everyone.
Throughout the day, young people took part in a range of interactive workshops, activities and discussions, giving them the opportunity to learn more about poverty and how it can affect people’s lives.
They were also encouraged to share their own views and ideas about what could make a difference and help improve the lives of children and young people across Pembrokeshire.
Director of Education Steven Richards-Downes opened the event and the young people heard from senior Public Health Officer Liz Western, Joy Davies from Citizens Advice, and Sophie Buckley, PAVS’ Strengthening Communities’ Programme Manager as well as young people themselves.
Cabinet Member for Young People and the Well-being of Future Generations, Cllr Marc Tierney, rounded off the day and thanked everyone for their participation.
He added: “It was great to spend time with the young people and hear their thoughts and ideas.
“They had lots to say about what matters to them and what they think could make a difference. It’s important that we give young people opportunities like this to have their say and that we listen to what they tell us.
“A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the day such a success.”
In his address, Cllr Marc Tierney encouraged Pembrokeshire’s young people to be ambitious for their futures, by studying hard and taking all of the opportunities available through their school and the Pembrokeshire Youth Service.
He committed to placing his efforts within Pembrokeshire’s Cabinet to unlocking the ambitions of our young people for a better, brighter future.
The Thrive. Ffynnu. Youth Poverty Summit was organised by the Children and Young People’s Rights Office (CYPRO), Public Health and PCC.
CYPRO Officer Nadine Farmer said: “The Thrive. Ffynnu. Youth Poverty Summit was a great opportunity for young people to have their say about poverty and how it affects young people across Pembrokeshire.
“What was really positive was that they didn’t just talk about the challenges. They came with ideas, suggestions and thoughts about what could make things better.
“The most important thing now is that we listen to what they have told us and use it to help shape what happens next. If we want to make a difference, young people need to be part of those conversations and have a say in the decisions that affect them.”