Teenagers have their say at special youth conference to discuss perceptions of young people

Oct 21 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

MORE than 100 teenagers from secondary schools across the borough discussed perceptions of young people at a ‘Youth Voice’ conference last week.

The one-day event at Wallasey Town Hall on Tuesday saw 130 pupils come together to discuss the issue in a series of workshops.

The issues debated during the day were taken to a special meeting of Wirral Youth Parliament in the evening.

The conference also included a “hotseating” session, with figures from public life – including Steve Maddox, chief executive of Wirral Council and Jon Ward of Merseyside Police, questioned by young people.

The event was organised by Wirral’s Executive Youth Board.

Member Stephen Pollard said it was “infuriating” that all young people were judged by the actions of a few.

He said: “I know from friends and fellow students at school that popular perceptions of young people are wrong and unjust and I hope that the conference helps raise awareness of this crucial issue.”