Then 18 Up needs you!

Young people who live on the Alton, Winstanley or York Road estates and want to have their say about life in Wandsworth are being invited to take part in an ambitious new project.

The 18 Up initiative will be centred around a panel of young people aged 18 to 24, who will tell decision-makers about their experiences going through education, securing employment, using other services in the borough, and outlining their ambitions for the future.

As part of the project, which is also open to 17-year-olds about to turn 18, young people can take part in online surveys, discussion forums and workshops over the coming months.

Those getting involved can choose their level of involvement, but as a thank you for taking part they can expect to earn vouchers to spend online, be entered into prize draws, take part in volunteering opportunities – and much more.

Leader of the council, Councillor Ravi Govindia, said:
“18 Up is particularly exciting because it gives young people living on these estates a chance to shape and improve the services that are available to help them succeed in life.

“We want to know what works, what doesn’t – and what might be missing. And to thank them for giving up their time we intend to award panel members things like new training opportunities. I hope lots of young people living on these estates will benefit from this innovative new project.”

Efforts will be made to contact those eligible to join 18 Up over the next few weeks so they can learn more about it. Anyone interested will be asked to complete a short survey and be invited to join the panel.

The panel will be launched in April this year so if you are interested in learning more – or if you think your son or daughter would like to take part – email 18up@wandsworth.gov.uk

Information about the project can also be found at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/18up.

February 22, 2013