YOUNG people in the Island have aired their views on life at a special event organised by the Youth Service.

UCount2 – the Youth Service’s annual forum – was held on Sunday, November 21.

The five hour event saw 40 over 13’s explore the subject of "Who listens to us?" though art, writing, animation, drama and video workshops.

Ken Callister, principal youth officer, said: "I never fail to be amazed at how enthusiastic young people are for opportunities like this in which they get the chance to make their views known and be listened to and I know that our politicians are interested in what young people have to say."

Nigel Kane, youth and community worker, told the children: "We have always had young people and they have always had similar issues. We live in a fast-moving world now but the issues are the same. Everyone making our decisions now – guess what? They were your age once."

Young people described who they feel listens to them rating youth workers, primary teachers, police, helplines, nurture groups and GP's. Older people, parents and siblings, shop workers, bus drivers and head teachers were rated as not having time for their concerns.

Fiona Helleur, head of youth arts, led the drama workshops. She said: "Young people identified the feeling of having something important to say and not being able to say it." She said this reflected real life with young people "encouraged to talk but not feeling that they are listened to."

Youth and community workers Tracy Jones and Jim Maynard helped young people create comic strips to highlight issues that they felt they are unheard over. Bullying, benefit inequality, the cost of leisure pursuits and finding a job were among the topics raised.

The Minister for Education and Children, Eddie Teare MHK, attended the event. He said: "I found the views expressed by the young people very informative as they enabled me to see their issues through their eyes. They felt that their voices were not heard and that they were overlooked by politicians.

"When responding I suggested that they contact their MHKs with their views to ensure that they are not overlooked. This will ensure that we consider all members of our community."

Ken continued: "Our next step is to give young people the opportunity to meet more often and to form themselves into a youth assembly or youth council. There were some young people who left on Sunday keen to be part of this and we will be following this up in a couple of weeks' time."

"I have a great team of youth and community workers and their part-time colleagues who are passionate about making the Isle of Man a better place and young people place great faith and trust in them. I know they can help even the hardest to reach young person find a voice and make a positive contribution."
 

Also see: First ever Island Youth Council to be created