We formed our youth council to improve facilities for young people, starting with creating a BMX track and youth shelter.
Who we are
We started with 18 young people who formed an action group to try and get dirt jumps in Aldbourne. We talked to our friends and estimated that if we had dirt jumps that not only us but 200+ children and young people in the area, from age 5 upwards, could benefit.
Where we're based
Aldbourne, Wiltshire
When we started
Jan-06
How we started
We wanted to do something about the lack of facilities for young people in our rural location. We found adult support for our dirt jump ideas through our youth club and a Parish Councillor. We formed a youth group to progress our plans to create an area with insurable BMX jumps.
Our work
To win backing from the parish council, we did thorough research into BMX jumps that met insurance criteria, found a qualified track builder and raised funds to build the track on a piece of vacant village land. We did this through a sponsored bike ride and other activities that raised £2540.00 from villagers who sponsored us, gave donations or came to our fundraising events. We also applied for grants. In the meantime the Parish Council gave us a loan to build the track. Following on from this we began to form our Youth Council.
Future plans
We are maintaining our track and will continue to fundraise to sustain it. Our Youth Council is involved in the community on an ongoing basis having close links with the Parish Council. The youth shelter is almost complete and with a little more fundraising we will be able to complete the project and then move onto other plans. We are in the process of completing paperwork to ensure the Youth Council is recognised as an official voice for young people in Aldbourne. Our constitution has been signed and already we have volunteered to help with a village working party to keep our village tidy and put up bird boxes. We also delivered leaflets to every house in the village for the Parish Council and have designed our own logo and headed paper. Next year we will have our very own official youth elections at the same time as the Aldbourne Parish Council elections take place. We couldn't have achieved all we have without the support of so many willing adults and would like to thank everyone involved along the way, especially Councillor Andy Devey and Clare Draper. Update It's 2010 and the Youth Council has continued to make a difference in the community, with some going on to take adult committee roles now. Check out the new website for news of what we've been up to.
Project website
http://www.aldbourneyouthcouncil.co.uk/
There is no doubt that were it not for their initiative and doggedness this project would not have gone ahead and it is to their great credit. I think what they have achieved is an outstanding achievement.
Dr Jonathan Rayner, Aldbourne Parish Council
