Following a period of unprecedented vandalism and disruption at Kelvedon Playing Field, the parish council agreed to try to harness the positive energy of young people in the village. An application was made to Braintree District Council for funds to explore establishing a Youth Forum and a grant was made in June 2004.

Preparatory work was undertaken, young people were recruited through posters and an article in the parish magazine and several meetings held. However, it was not until recruitment was carried out at the Kelvedon Music Festival in July 2006 that the Kelvedon Youth Forum really began to make its voice heard.

What is the Youth Forum?

The aim is that the Youth Forum should represent the youth community, discuss issues, offer suggestions and make recommendations. The Forum operates like a junior version of the parish council. It provides a young person’s perspective on a wide variety of issues and a medium through which young people can be directly engaged in community problems and activities.

How does it work?

The Youth Forum meets regularly, approximately every six weeks. Members of the parish council Recreation Committee always attend to provide help and advice on request. Although the Forum has no specific authority, it has developed its own operating rules and it elects its own chairperson who holds the office for a six month period. The Youth Forum makes recommendations or offers comments to the Recreation Committee and/or full parish council. Minutes are recorded, and agendas and minutes are circulated to all members and to parish councillors.

Who can participate?

Membership is open to all young people in Kelvedon who fall within the age range 10/11 (year 6) to 17. There is no fixed term of appointment, but members are required to leave the Forum when they reach normal adult voting age. Members under the age of 15 have to be accompanied by a parent or other designated adult person, who acts only as an observer. At present, there are about 15 core members though not all attend meetings regularly. In the initial stages, though many feelers were put out, recruitment was a little ad-hoc and presently, the numbers are such that all those interested are able to participate. However, if additional young people volunteered, it is likely the Forum would move to a selection model involving some form of election.

More volunteers are always welcome – at any time.

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