Council and young people work together to mark Children’s Rights Month

7 December 2022

Children’s Rights Month in Cheshire East has been hailed another great success.

Young people’s organisations in the borough staged several weeks of events during November involving the people who run the services that support them, with the key message that they want their voices heard. 

Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children have the right to give their opinions freely on issues that affect them, and adults should listen and take children seriously.  

Events included ‘Table Turners’, an event hosted by the mayor of the borough, Councillor David Marren, and held in the former council chamber at the Municipal Building, in Crewe.

The mayor handed over to the Youth Council and Youth Parliament, whose members turned the tables on officers and elected members of the council for the rest of the event. Health and wellbeing for young people, sex education, children’s rights, mental health services, body image, including eating disorders, discrimination and LGBTQ+ and bullying were some of the challenges and topics discussed.

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, Cheshire East Council lead member for children and families,  Deborah Woodcock, executive director for children’s services, Dr Susie Roberts, consultant in public health, and representatives from education, NHS partners and Health Watch (Cheshire) all took part.

Cllr Flavell said: “This was an uplifting experience. Our young people did not hold back when it came to seeking our views and priorities around young people’s needs, health and wellbeing. The message of listening and giving voice to young people’s views and concerns, was one that we should all take heed of.”

Fifteen young people took part in the event, led by four members of Cheshire East Youth Council. Youth Parliament member, Anna Morgan, said: “I thought table-turners was brilliant. It got many people from all different backgrounds discussing issues important to them. It’s important that decision makers hear what we young people have to say on issues that directly impact us.”

Councillor Marren said: “We all need to listen to our young people and give them the opportunity to express their views and concerns and any personal challenges they may have. To hear about the range of issues that concern them and the passion with which they were expressed was a real education for me, and the officers and members taking part.”

Similarly, Cheshire East Youth Council, together with Jigsaw – the youth forum for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) - were given an open door to the council’s children’s and families committee, where they presented a range of  issues that concern them, suggesting campaigns that the council, and its partners should take up.

These included the cost-of-living crisis, the environment, sex education, substance misuse, sanitary products in schools, bullying and waste recycling. 

Cllr Flavell added: “I feel extremely proud of the way in which the council, and our partner agencies, have responded to Children’s Rights Month.

“We were all blown away by the way in which our young people participated and put forward their arguments, campaigns and concerns at a time when there is so much going on in the world that can impact on their lives, their health and wellbeing.”

Anna and Youth Parliament colleague Oliver Probert-Hill, travelled to London to take part in the annual UK Youth Parliament debate in the House of Commons, where they met the Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. A lively debate centred around health and wellbeing, which was considered the most important issue, and also the cost-of-living crisis and its impact on health. 

Anna said: “It was an amazing experience. To hear what everyone had to say on the five topics we debated was eye-opening and to understand how people felt from such emotional and moving speeches.”

Other events held were National Care Leavers Week, Youth Work Week, and Star Celebration Day, to celebrate the achievements of cared for children. There was also the opportunity for young people to get involved in the council’s family service and apply skills around resilience, positive communication and healthy relationships. 

To find out more about the council’s work with young people visit: November Children's Rights Month (cheshireeast.gov.uk)