TOM Schaffner, 18, has been chairman of Stroud District Youth Council for the past year and is currently studying at Cirencester College, here is his first report for the SNJ.

On the 13th of February Stroud Town Youth Forum hosted “A Day in the Life of a Teen”, an event that aimed to shed light on the experiences of young people in the local area.

Several engaging speakers gave talks on topics ranging from mental health and gender identity to votes at 16 and the curriculum for life, in what was a thoroughly enlightening day.

Among the speakers was Stroud’s MP, Neil Carmichael.

He provided interesting insight into what was happening on a national level in relation to the issues raised.

Tweeting after the event, Mr Carmichael expressed how he felt the event was “effective” and had echoed many of the concerns raised by the education select committee.

Other speakers included PCSO Gary Lynch. His contribution to the event demonstrated his passion for working with young people and showed his keenness for listening to their concerns.

Members of the local youth forum were particularly enthused by this and are now planning to go on a walkabout with their PCSO in order to identify specific issues that they can work with the police to resolve.

The day was concluded with a Q&A session, where members of the audience had the opportunity to put their questions to a panel consisting of adults and young people.

The thoughtful and impassioned responses served as a reminder of how politically and socially engaged young people can be when given the opportunity to explore their beliefs and express their opinions.

Although attendance fell towards the end of the day, the morning session was attended by a good number of young people, councillors and local residents.

This allowed for some valuable intergenerational dialogue and helped to strengthen community links.

The event was organised and presented by Stroud Town Youth Forum, a group established to promote the voice of local young people.

Alongside their commitment to highlighting young people’s issues the forum are also planning a “Takeover Day”, which would involve them swapping positions with local decision makers.

While the success of the event will surely boost the morale of Stroud Town Youth Forum, there is still much work to be done.

The group will be looking to build on the community links they have established in order to make a positive difference in the lives of all young people.