A FORUM where young people can air their views will lead to the creation of the first ever Youth Council in the Island.

UCount2 takes place annually and the theme for this year is "Who listens to us?"

Around 50 over-13s will participate in five workshops expressing their views through art, writing, animation, drama and video.

In the past topics have included the Children's Plan, transport, age and the law.

The day will end with a recap and a question and answer session.

Ken Callister, principal youth officer with the Department of Education and Children, said: "The day is part of our activities programme and it's about giving young people an opportunity to make a positive contribution.

"In the past young people have come up with some very valid points and the challenge has been getting the movers and shakers to take them seriously."

One of the key aims in the government's Children's Plan is to give young people a say in the decisions that affect them. 

Ken continued: "This year the young people attending will be offered the opportunity to be part of an Island-wide focus group which will go onto form an Island Youth Council.

"At present the Youth Service only really seeks the views of its 3,000 members. This initiative, which will be led by the area based youth and community worker team, will provide opportunities for young people who do not use our service to also have a say."

Guests attending the event include Minister for Education and Children Eddie Teare MHK and member Member Dudley Butt MLC. The speaker of the House of Keys, Steve Rodan MHK, and community Police Sergeant, Wendy Baker, will also be in attendance.  

The forum will take place at Cronk-y-Berry Primary School's youth wing on Sunday, November 21, at 11am.