Youth and Crime Commissioners Matthew and Namir attended the

Youth Emergency Services (YES) Fo-rum at West Midlands Fire Service

HQ on the 31st October 2014.

The YES forum gives young people a chance to have their say and in-

fluence the emergency services where they live.

You can find out more about the YES forum launch by going to

www.wmfs.net/content/yes-forum-launch or by following YES Forum

on Twitter (@YESVoiceUK).

YOW (Youth of Walsall) was set up in 2011 by young people. Its aim is to give young people a voice and

an opportunity to make a difference. We meet up at least once a month to discuss what

matters the most!

YOW is a great opportunity to get involved in and can help you to gain new experiences, skills and a

chance to stand up and make a difference in Walsall as well as having fun and meeting new

people.

We are looking for young people that are; Committed Up For A Challenge

Improve Things Enthusiastic Willing To Represent Their Area

We have spaces so if you’re interested or want to find

out more get in touch with us using the contact details overleaf.

We will also be coming to schools across Walsall so

look out for us.

NEWSLETTER Issue One

December 2014

YOUTH AND CRIME

COMMISSIONERS SAY

YES

Youth and Crime Commissioners Matthew

and Namir with other supporters.

YOW NEEDS YOU!

NEWS!!! Councillor Cassidy will

be attending our first

2015 YOW meeting!

We are looking forward

to meeting her!

In other news...

YOW Members attend Youth Conference in Walsall.

YOW Members attended the Young People's Conference in Walsall in early November. Here's what two of our YOW members had to say.

The youth conference was brilliant. Feel honoured to have been on a panel asked to an-swered questions, put forward by the young people, concerning budget cuts. Councillor

Cassidy was lovely and I'm excited to see what the future holds for the young people of Walsall."

- Lydia, Youth Parliament

"The first Young People's Conference in Walsall was incredible; I was honoured to be answering questions on the panel alongside the lovely Lydia McGann; it was inspirational to see how many of us wanted to make a change, a positive impact, a difference. Hopefully there's more to come, and I make the youth of Walsall proud: they deserve it!"

Namir, Youth and Crime Commissioner

Walsall College Activates Against Hate YOW Member Nicola took part in Anti Bullying Week by promoting Activate Against Hate at the Walsall College Student’s Union. 69 people signed the pledge and plenty of promotional material and wristbands were handed out to not only raise awareness of Activate but also raise awareness of Anti Bullying Week.

Remember to like the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/activateagainsthate

876,000 YOUNG PEOPLE HEARD

IN MAKE YOUR MARK. Earlier this season, thousands of young people voted in the UK Youth Parlia-ment Make Your Mark Consultation and 876,000 young people had their

voices heard.

In Walsall, a total of 3115 votes were counted.

The top 5 issues for Walsall were: - Curriculum for Life - Work Experience

- Exam Resits - Living Wage

- Mental Health

The national campaigns for 2014 to 2015 are living wage and mental

health.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/YouthOfWalsall Twitter: @YouthOfWalsall Email: youteam@walsall.gov.uk Tel:07834 499381

CONTACT US!

YOW will be gathering to celebrate Christmas

just before the Christmas Holidays on the 17th

December. There will be some awards, festive

party games, food and plenty of fun.

YOW members are invited to dress up in festive

jumpers, outfits or hats, as modelled beautifully

in the photo on the right!