Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Chairman and Vice Chairman for this meeting.

It was noted that Onyeka would be the chairman and Tomas would be the Vice-

Chairman for this meeting.

S Bakalov, J Beavis, T Fontenelle, A Gohil, S Halcrow, J James, R Kent, J McNulty, J Nag-Chaudhury, F New, E Nsofor, H Pickering and Z Smith, S Tiwana and M Wilson

          RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th April 2019 to be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive a short presentation regarding digital inclusion.

Louis gave a short presentation regarding digital inclusion. EFDC are looking at improving digital skills within the council as well as helping to improve wellbeing for residents through digital inclusion.

This cohort of EFYC and adult councillors will be the first to be issued with iPads to improve access to digital services.  This will save resources through digital access to agendas, minutes and presentations.

The iPads are brand new and Youth councillors will be responsible for keeping their iPad safe, cases will be provided. EFDC are currently looking into accessories for the iPads such as keyboards and pencils. Youth councillors will be asked to follow the correct protocol should you iPad go missing or become damaged.

Nick Robinson from VAEF gave a short talk on the Digital Learners project and explained how the world is shifting to a highly digital environment at such a rate which risks leaving the older generation out of touch with digital services.  Voluntary Action is supporting several skills projects in the area.

Action: EFYC members that are interested in being a digital buddy for the project to contact Nick nrobinson@vaef.org.uk

2019 project to be agreed.

A discussion was held about the issues facing young people and what ideas should the Youth Council consider for the 2019 project.

Archie thought that some young people struggle with shyness and communication and suggested a Speak Out campaign. 

Barnaby suggested an anonymous confessional-like system, like you have in a church which may encourage young people to talk.

Oliver suggested looking into a way of helping young people with life advice.

Dan agreed and said there are a lot of “life after-school” struggles that teenagers might face and suggested a mentoring system for young people to help deal with some problems they may face in later life. – All Youth Councillors agreed.

Onyeka added that knife crime is an issue and suggested further work around preventative measures.

Di welcomed Esha Gohil to the Youth council. Esha is a pupil at Debden Park High and will be supporting Rene to represent their school at meetings. Esha said that she feels very lucky to be in this role and is looking forward to working with the Youth Councillors.

Youth Councillors to report on school issues, achievements, events and training that they have accomplished since the last meeting.

Braeside - No students present.

Chigwell - No students present

Davenant – Archie, Barnaby and Onyeka

Archie said Davenant have been supporting Mental Health Awareness week.  Year 11’s and 13’s has been on study leave and Year 9 have had mock exams.  The Right Honourable Dame Eleanor Laing came into school to talk about her life as a politician.  Archie added the school is also supporting a no plastic campaign and the senior prefect team roles have now been allocated. Archie added that the Duke of Edinburgh award has now taken place and was a very enjoyable experience. 

Debden Park - Esha

Years 7, 8 and 9 have had GL (Granada Learning) assessments this week.

Epping St John’s – Oliver

Mock exam meetings have been held this evening and Student council have received their blazers. 

King Harold – Tom

Permission has been given for the CRY fundraising event.

Roding Valley – Daniel

Year 11’s has been taking GCSE’s.

Youth Councillors to feedback on any events that they have attended in relation to the Youth Council since the last meeting.

Meeting with the Right Honourable Dame Eleanor Laing, MP

A meeting with the Right Honourable Dame Eleanor Laing took place at Thatcher house where the drugs project was presented and well received. Dame Eleanor Laing will be taking forward the issues of NO2 to parliament and Dame Eleanor is also keen to attend the Youth Conference in September. A further meeting with Dame Eleanor will be scheduled for September/October when the entire Youth Council can attend.

Epping Civic Reception-

James and Di attended the Epping Forest Town event and were seated next to the Epping at the Movies team who were happy to share tips on presenting a movie night for the We R Safe project.

Epping Neighbourhood Action Meeting

Archie and James attend the NAP group meeting regularly, they gave a presentation about the Drug Report findings and updated the members about the work of the EFYC.

Fyfield Parish Meeting

Harriette, Tomas and Daniel attend the AGM of Fyfield Parish Council and gave a presentation about the Drug Report findings. It was well received, and the members thanked the Youth Councillors for their work.

Hen Power

Barnaby, Tomas, Harriette, Megan and Samantha have been on several visits to Cunningham house and assisted with gardening, helping to care for the chickens and do arts and crafts with the residents. Quotes from the Youth Councillors…

I love going to Cunningham House, whether it’s helping with the chickens, or talking to the residents. It’s lovely to see how excited the residents get when they see the chickens, as it is the highlight of their week.

I enjoy working with the residents of CH and caring for the hens. It helps the elderly residents not to feel lonely and I enjoy learning how to properly look after chickens and what they need to have an enriched environment.

I have enjoyed helping and connecting with the older generation. Putting a smile on their faces and making their days is very satisfying to see.

I have enjoyed learning about the eggs and how each one can be different colours according to the hen’s breed.

It has been a very positive experience for both young and old as the residents faces light up when they see us, and we enjoy chatting with them and listening to their stories. 

The work we do with Equal Arts has given us all an understanding of the value of community intergenerational work and building new relationships and friendships through activities.

The Youth Councillors are supporting Equal Arts to apply for further funding to continue to work in the Epping Forest district.

Young Essex Assembly

Daniel attended a meeting discussing the campaign, curriculum and plans for the summer.

CRY

EFYC have undertaken a training session focussed on fundraising and project planning.  This included looking at a business plan, promotion, pricing, buying and organising the project.

To report progress on WE R SAFE

Filming – Filming finished on 28 April and is now being edited which is the time-consuming part of film making.

Archie summarised the We R Safe Project video topics.  The 5 R’s are ….

1.     Realise

2.     Run

3.     Report

4.     Resist

5.     Resilience

Di presented the merchandise that has been ordered to support the event and advised invites will be sent out this week to funders, supporters, adult councillors, school head teachers, and youth groups.

Cllr Bassett added this event will be attended by the High Sheriff and the deputy Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner.

To report progress on the Youth Activities Map

Paula advised that photographs have been now been collected; there are lots from Loughton, however there are still lots of gaps.

From June 2019 new guidelines will be put into place when attending an event or activity without Di, Paula or Gaby. Parents will be sent a new consent form allowing us to share your emergency details with supporting partners when we are not in attendance.

There has been a request from Karen Wheeler, from PROVIDE who would like to offer the youth councillors Make Every Contact Count training. Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is an evidence-based approach to improving people's health and wellbeing by helping them change their behaviour. Karen is available on 2^nd July and training will last 45minutes.

Lisa Golding is the Healthy Schools Engagement Worker in West Essex and works with the health champions. Lisa would like to attend the meeting on the 3^rd September meeting.

Basildon Borough Youth Council have also requested to visit you to talk about their project work and would also like to attend the 3^rd September meeting.

Harlow Youth Council would to arrange a date to meet after the exams have taken place.

EFYC took the opportunity to thank the Chairman and said they were delighted that our Chairman has chosen the young carers project as one of his charities this year.

The Chairman presented Ruth Morton from the Young Carers - Action for Family Carers Charity with two cheques for £210.00 and £1000.

(a)          Notices by Diane;

(b)          Notices by Paula;

(c)          Any other notices; and

(d)          Youth Councillor notices.

Di advised that the winner of the Jack Petchey award for May is Florence New. Fellow youth councillors nominated Florence and described Florence as very productive and the perfect candidate. Florence takes part in a lot off the activities and helps with youth issues and is dedicated and attentive. Florence always participates well at meetings and is enthusiastic and caring about her role as a Youth Councillor wanting to make a difference in her school and in the community.

Florence will receive a cheque for £250 to spend on the Youth Council training, a social or on the Youth Council project. On 21^st May, Florence will also be invited to attend the Jack Petchey ceremony at the Civic Theatre along with 3 guests who can watch Florence collect the Jack Petchey medallion. It is a wonderful evening with music songs and photos of the winners. Gaby will also be attending to collect her Leaders Award, along with Rene, Zak and Stan.

Di reminded the youth councillors these awards are NOT about “being the best!” They are about “doing your best” It is about helping others, being a good role model, coping with adversity, undertaking community work, giving service within the community or maybe just trying hard.

Di also took the opportunity to thank the Jack Petchey Foundation for awarding the Youth Council £750 for their Youth Conference in November, and a further £250 towards their travel when they visit the Houses of Parliament on the 29^th July.

The Youth conference is booked for Friday 22^nd November.

 (b)          Notices by Paula;

i)          Hen power will be meeting on Monday 27th of the May half term and there will be hen-keeping and creative session with the residents for Youth Councillors to choose from.

ii)                Diaries have been updated and will be emailed to Youth Councillors weekly.

Action: Youth councillors to email Di if they are available to support Hen Power on 27^th May 2019.

(c)          There were no other notices to be considered.

(d)          Youth Councillor notices.

Archie said he would like to make better links between school council and the EFYC and suggests having an item on school council agendas asking for items to put forward to EFYC.

Action: Youth Councillors to speak with their school council lead teacher.

1. Epping Town Monday Market

Di advised Zak has produced a short questionnaire for Epping Town Council about raising young people’s interest in the Monday market. Copies are available for all schools. Di asked if all youth councillors could please hand them to form teachers for pupils to complete.

Thanks, were given to Epping St Johns school who returned 426 surveys.

There were no further items for discussion.

All youth councillors present confirmed they had accessed the minutes electronically.

To note that the next meeting will be held on Tuesday 4^th June at 19.00 – 21.00 at the Civic Offices.

The next meeting agreed for Tuesday 11^th June 7-9pm. Zak will Chair the meeting and Rene will be Vicechair