Stroud District Youth Council (SDYC) held their 2018 Annual General Meeting on 23 April. Retiring Chair, Rebecca Hunt gave the annual report, while results of the recent online elections were also announced.
Elections
George Adamson (Rep: Berkeley Vale Youth Forum) and Amy Jones (Rep: Katharine Lady Berkeley School) were elected Chair and Vice Chair respectively. In addition, Jonty Fuller (Rep: Katharine Lady Berkeley School) was elected SDYC Leader. Lily Haines (Rep: Stroud Town & Five Valleys Youth Forum) was voted as one of two representatives to the British Youth Council (BYC).
Furthermore, members agreed on their key issues and projects for the coming year. Youth mental health; sexual health; school nursing; and youth friendly GP surgeries, all feature. While still advocating lowering the voting age to 16, they also wish to help increase voter registration. Members are also keen to support the Stroud Employability Charter and complete their curriculum for life video.
SDYC Chairperson 2017/18, Rebecca Hunt presenting the Annual Report
In stepping down as Chairperson after one year in the role, Rebecca gave a speech about her time as chair. She highlighted a number of achievements. She also stated; ‘Especially relevant, have been the challenges brought on by changes to youth work staffing. Yet with a new staff team now in place, the future looks far more positive’. In conclusion, Rebecca wished the youth council well for the future. Members thanked her for serving as Chair.
Presentation of Service Awards
Councillor Doina Cornell, Leader of Stroud District Council also attended. First of all she presented members with service awards for I year and 3 year commitments to the youth council. She consequently thanked them for their hard work and acknowledged that involving young people in local democracy is hugely important to the future of our society. Cllr Cornell also promoted the Council’s plans for Local Democracy Week due to be held in July. The Council will be hosting a series of events and activities, again involving young people.
Guest Speaker: Former SDYC Chair, Robin Ellis-Cockcroft
Guest speaker Robin Ellis-Cockcroft, a former SDYC Chairperson gave a very passionate and inspirational presentation. He reflected on his experiences since retiring as chair in 2012 after serving for two yeas during a four year period as member. Robin’s work now includes involvement in Stroud’s Access Bike Project and the Creative Sustainability Our World project. He had previously spent time at university and doing development work in overseas counties, including Fiji.
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