Warwickshire News Mine

On the 23 November 2007, the 11 million children and young people in England were invited to takeover leading institutions, jobs and organisations.

The idea behind the exciting initiative is for teenagers to be consultants to officers and managers for the day and advise on how best they think that children and young people might respond to the decisions that are being made. ‘11 MILLION’ is also the new name for the office of the Children’s Commissioner, Professor Sir Albert Aynsley-Green.

From acting as advisors to running the Children, Young People and Families directors’ briefing - children and young people in Warwickshire were in the decision-making hot seat.

The day saw a group of 13-17 year-olds from the County Youth Panel running a briefing for the County Council’s largest directorate.  The young people addressed senior staff, including education, youth and children’s services bosses, on their key priorities which included anti-bullying work, access to youth services and transport for young people.

A group of young people from Henley-in-Arden High School also took over for the day. Their work ranged from acting as consultants to Hugh Disley, the Head of Warwickshire’s Youth Division, to advising the Youth Service and filming with the directorate’s multimedia team.

Marion Davis, Strategic Director for Children, Young People and Families at Warwickshire County Council, said: “11 MILLION Takeover Day is all about giving young people a voice and giving them the chance to act as advisors and consultants to the County Council. We really value the contribution that young people have made and their views are invaluable.”

For more information about 11 Million Day log onto http://www.11million.org.uk

Link to WCC