What is a Youth Council and why do we have one?
A Youth Council is a group of young people engaged in community decision-making.
Witney Youth Council was created for young people in Witney to be involved in decisions and projects taking place in the town.
The Town Council’s Vision for the Youth Council
“Witney Town Council supports and empowers young people in Witney to be more involved in making decisions about issues and services that affect them in their futures. A Witney Youth Council gives children and young people a ‘collective voice’ that is listened to and helps influence actions by decision makers.“
How do I Join?
You will need to fill out our simple application form. A PDF version can be found through this link: Youth Council Application Form and an online form can be found below.
If you are under 16 years of age you will need to get it signed by a parent or guardian.
Online
Here are all the documents you might want to refer to.
Witney Youth Council – Terms of Reference
What can I do in a Youth Council?
The objectives for the Youth Council are:
- To develop projects which represent young people
- Create spaces for young people
- Create learning opportunities for young people
Previous Youth Councils have hosted bake sales, taken part in remembrance day, attended events, and even hosted their own nerf gun stall at Witney Carnival in order to raise funds for their projects and events.
The possibilities are as far as you can think of ideas, within the rules and limitations of the council.
Youth Council Social Media
The Youth Council has it’s own Instagram account which is managed by the Youth Council’s Media Officer.
Members can post related information about what makes you passionate:
- Encouraging young people to vote
- Awareness for petitions, events, pride, etc.
- Keeping people updated on what you’re doing
How can I contact the Youth Council?
If you are planning an event, have ideas to be discussed at a meeting or want to collaborate on a fundraiser, you can contact the Youth Council through their email address:
✉️ youthcouncil@witney-tc.gov.uk.
Enquiries through social media messages will not be responded to.
What are the rules?
There are some things that members need to do as part of the Youth Council so that things go as smoothly as possible.
There is a minimum of four meetings a year. Currently, a meeting once a month is taking place. These allow you to talk about any issues, what you plan to do, and how you plan to do it. This can then get sent to Full Council (A meeting with council staff and councillors) to receive feedback.
Youth Council Roles
The role of Chair steers the meetings, ensures they follow what needs to be talked about, and makes sure everyone who wants to talk gets to talk at the appropriate time.
In addition, the Treasurer keeps a tab on Youth Council finances and the Media Officer is in charge of social media!
Any more questions?
The friendly staff at Witney Town Council are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. Remember – there is no such thing as a silly question!
Feel free to drop us an email at info@witney-tc.gov.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Past Meeting Minutes
Safeguarding
Witney Town Council recognises its responsibility to ensure that all young people are safeguarded, supported and treated with dignity and respect.
All sessions are attended by trained Council Staff.
Meetings are held in a secure and safe environment with accessible facilities.
Young people under the age of 16 are required to have the consent of their parent or guardian when applying for Witney Youth Council and attending events or activities.
Any concerns or queries, you can contact us through email at info@witney-tc.gov.uk, or over the phone at 01993 704379.