The ongoing partnership between Child Friendly Warwickshire and the University of Warwick sees children and young people contribute to organising the upcoming Warwickshire youth conference.
The Shaping Tomorrow Together Warwickshire youth conference embodies the spirit of community engagement, youth empowerment, and education. The event, on Friday 25 April, promises a welcoming and safe environment for young people to engage with local organisations and influence the future of Warwickshire. This is an opportunity for young people to have their voices heard and contribute to shaping their community. As spaces are limited, early booking is advised: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/shapingtomorrow
The conference is testament to the partnership between the University of Warwick and Child Friendly Warwickshire going from strength to strength with a range of colleagues and volunteers from across the University involved in the preparation and delivery of the conference.
Young people have identified eight key themes that will be explored through workshop sessions organised by local organisations and Warwickshire County Council services. These workshops will provide a unique opportunity for participants to address important issues such life skills, smoking and vaping, crime and safety, mental health and experience in schools, creative drama, activism, spaces for boys and the environment.
Participants of last year’s conference shared positive feedback about their experience: One young person commented: "We had the chance to make new friends, meet up with old friends, but more importantly, we were front and centre of a youth conference about us and what is important to us." Parents also highlighted the safe and well-organised environment, and this valuable feedback is being used to enhance the 2025 event.
Members of Warwickshire’s Young People’s Forums have played a key role in planning the event. Forum members have carefully designed workshops to ensure they are relevant and inclusive to a diverse group of young people. In addition, they have supported the setup of an essential quiet space on the day for anyone who may need time away from the activities and crowds.
The Shaping Tomorrow Together conference brings together a wide range of organisations committed to the well-being and growth of Warwickshire's youth. Participants can meet and talk to various Warwickshire-based organisations that offer services for young people. Some of the participating organisations include Safeline, Office for Police and Crime Commissioner Warwickshire, Warwickshire Pride, Careers Seekers Direct and many more.
Cllr Sue Markham, portfolio holder for Children and Families, said: “It’s so important that we listen to our young people and really hear what they have to say. Their insights can spark positive change and ensure a promising future for all. This is an opportunity to create a more inclusive community and shape a brighter future together.
“Let's come together, participate, and actively support the values of Child Friendly Warwickshire. By working as a united community, we can create positive change and build a brighter future for our children and young people, making Warwickshire a truly child-friendly county where every voice matters.”
Martin Price, Associate Director – Regional Engagement (Community), said: “As a University, young people’s prospects and futures, as well as our role in local communities are at the heart of what we do. The University is excited to be supporting the incredible work of partners at Warwickshire County Council, and the young people themselves, to deliver an event that’s created for young people by young people. It promises to once again be an exciting and inspiring day, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to our campus.”
With the Warwickshire’s Youth Conference 2025: Shaping Tomorrow Together just around the corner, organisers are urging young people aged 11-17 (up to 25 with SEND) to register for this event, after the success of the 2023 event, once again being hosted at the Warwick Conferences on the University campus The conference offers a unique opportunity for young people to connect with their peers, discuss relevant issues, and contribute to shaping the future of Warwickshire.
To learn more about Child Friendly Warwickshire and watch highlights from last year's conference visit: https://www.childfriendlywarwickshire.co.uk/
This event is supported by the Child Friendly Warwickshire programme, which works to ensure all children and young people have a voice that is heard, that they are safe, happy, and healthy, and that they are equipped with the skills to lead their best lives.
The University of Warwick's Regional Strategy and Partnerships team has been instrumental in supporting this initiative, contributing staff time and resources to ensure local young people have the opportunity to engage with the issues that matter most to them.