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Epping Forest Youth Council met with Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to share their annual review.
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Youth Council reports
The annual review of Epping Forest District Youth Council took place on the 20 April. Youth councillors attended the meeting of Epping Forest District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee to report on main areas of activity and concerns identified over the previous 12 months.
Epping Forest District Council supports the Youth Council, but much of the work of Epping Forest Youth Council is self-funded, having raised £4,780 in independent grants.
Key areas of activity
Repair My Pocket
A 12-question survey and interviews identifying the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on young people. 17 November Youth Conference will be a further opportunity to explore the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
Jack Petchey Foundation Funding
£1,000 for the purchase of 800 copies of the ‘Little Book of Scams’ to help educate young people about scammers. Copies of the book by Thames Valley Police, now available in schools across the Epping Forest District.
Independent Advisory Group Safety Survey
A survey in Davenant Foundation and Roding Valley school, asking key questions on how safe young people feel in their area and in their schools. Further research is scheduled in other secondary schools before presentation of the finds to Overview and Scrutiny.
MiLife Blue
Following the success of the schools’ MiLife C19 mental health project designed by the 2021/22 Youth Council cohort, youth councillors worked with EFDC and The Red Balloon Foundation to update resources. The project renamed MiLife Blue, supports a trauma informed response to young people dealing with mental health issues. This will sit alongside the inaugural award winning MiLife Green project which relates to more general mental health awareness.
Training
Youth councillors completed intensive induction training, covering professionalism, team building, leadership, presentation skills and public speaking. Training continues to address projects such as Dementia Friends, Hate Crime, Gaming and Gambling addiction, the environment, Ride London and positive mental health.
Other business
In the final meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee before the local district council elections in May, councillors approved the 2022/3 Annual Report, noted quarter 4 Corporate Plan performance, reports of the select committees, and the review of the Cabinet key decision list.
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