Children's services
“We want to be part of the action”– listen to young people who are shaping the future Walsall
Published on
Four young people presented to Walsall Council’s Cabinet last week, to share their views about growing up in Walsall, and what they hope the borough will be like in the year 2040.
Ayrik, Rockshana, Kaytlyn and Hafsa presented the We Are Walsall 2040 children and young people’s strategy, on behalf of the children and young people’s alliance.
Each of the young people shared feedback and drew upon personal experiences, under the four main headings of the strategy:
- I am healthy, happy and well
- I have a voice, and I am heard
- I am hopeful and excited for the future
- I am safe in all spaces
The discussion is part of a wider programme of work, where young people have been involved in shaping services with the council and partner organisations.
In January 2024, the council ran a ‘Big Conversation’ consultation where the views of 503 children and young people from Walsall were captured, to find out more about how they felt about growing up in the borough.
And following the first ever Youth Summit in August, the council has since committed to setting up a Youth Council, which will enable young people to influence decision-making and have their voices heard.
Each of the young people shared feedback from workshops they had delivered with other young people, and shared their views on what action they want to see the council take, in order to create a safer, stronger, cleaner and greener Walsall.
Key themes of discussion included: youth activities and support services, personal safety and crime, climate, the environment, education, job opportunities and future aspirations.
Councillor Garry Perry, Leader of Walsall Council asked the young people about how they feel being involved in the project. Kaytlyn said, “I was told I wasn’t going to get nowhere with my future, […] but, by creating these safe spaces, and by campaigning for it, it’s going to make a big difference for other people’s lives.”
“ Young people of today, will be the adults of 2040, so it’s imperative we listen to them and their voices, and demonstrate to them that we’re listening and doing something about it.
We’ve done a lot of work this year to make sure at every opportunity, young people are involved in helping us create a better Walsall.
I was absolutely blown away by the four young people last week, they spoke with such confidence and honesty, and have a clear passion about their communities.
It makes me feel at ease to know we’re in safe hands for the future when we have amazing young people like that, taking time out of their days to make things happen and make things better.
I look forward to continue working with them to ensure the voices of young people in Walsall are heard loud and clear.
“
The young people were invited back to meet with Cabinet at a later date, so they can discuss as a group more about the journey to 2040.
The strategy, and a recording of the meeting can be found on the council’s website.
Ends
About the Children and Young People’s Alliance
Walsall’s Children and Young Peoples Strategic Alliance is a partnership group that is responsible for the delivery of Walsall's Children and Young Persons Strategy. The Alliance was launched in March 2023 and involves Walsall Council, West Midlands Police, Walsall NHS Healthcare Trust, Black Country Integrated Care Board, Black Country Healthcare NHS Trust, Walsall Together, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall College, University of Wolverhampton, and community organisations. Recognising that today’s children will be adults in 2040, its objective is to develop new ways of thinking and new ways of working informed by the voice of children, young people and their families.
About We Are Walsall 2040
We are Walsall 2040 is the borough’s plan for the future.
Organisations from across Walsall have developed a vision for the future of the borough. More than 10,000 residents and businesses shared their views about what they want Walsall to look and be like in 2040 and beyond.
Walsall in 2040 will be the most improved borough in the region, a vibrant place where people are proud to live and residents in all neighbourhoods have the same life chances.
More about the vision and what it means can be found here: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/WAW2040
