Blog Feed

On Sunday 22^nd October, I hosted a Democracy Dinner along with my Deputy Christian Smith. We called the dinner “Peas, Politics and Pudding”, as we thought it sounded much more appealing than the original Democracy Dinner. It was held at Darlington Football Club, where we had a lovely 3-course meal, and had a ‘menu’ of topics to discuss including: Culture, Health, Education, Transport, and Youth Provision to name a few. Many Young people from around the region attended the event and enjoyed the day. We had quizzes, games and displays up around the room showing what Young People liked and disliked about Darlington. This was a really positive event enjoyed by everyone; we all hope to have more dinners like this in the future.

  Well this is the first blog I’ve written, so sorry if it’s bad!  Week commencing 16/10/06 was local democracy week. The youth service had loads of events going on throughout the week. On the Wednesday (18^th) there was an event at the Dolphin Centre called Question Time. Young people from local schools came together to ask a panel of key decision makers and questions they wanted, within reason obviously! I also sat on the panels and was asked questions about Youth Provision and also healthy eating in schools. After this there was the launch of the Youth Voice and Action Group aka Darlington Youth Assembly. We ended the night with entertainment from local band 2 Many Units. On a whole the event was successful and we look to go bigger and better in the future!

Hello! I’m Ashleigh, or Ash, I’m 16 and I’m Member Of Youth Parliament for Darlington. I was elected as MYP in February in 2006 after being Deputy in 2005. 

  I love being with my friends, I love photography and I enjoy everything to do with music; I play the drums and have singing lessons. I think Darlington has a growing number of talented Young People, especially when it comes to music. Which is why one of my aims is to improve music facilities within Darlington, to promote the positive work Young People are doing and also everyone loves a good gig!

   The role of the MYP is to be a voice for Young People, in my case Young People in Darlington. By using the blog I will be able to consult more with a larger number of Young People, which means that I will be able to represent and give a much stronger voice when talking to the key decision makers in Darlington.

    My plans are to develop youth provision within the Town Centre, hopefully this provision will be an Internet café and some kind of music facility within this. I’m also working regionally with a group called Bus Buddies who are working to improve Buses for Young People.

    The Blog will be regularly checked and updated by me and a designated member of the Youth Service. I will be the person who responds to messages addressed to me, whereas a Youth Worker may answer an issue-based question. The feedback I get will be used and will be highly valued. It’s always good to hear other opinions rather than just mine!