Hadleigh Town Council commissioned the Youth Strategy Working Group on 22nd April 2021 (minute number HTC21.128). The working group has since been meeting to address its brief of developing a youth strategy for Hadleigh and within the strategy producing a 1,3 & 5 -year plan to fulfil it. The starting point of this group was to connect with relevant partners to partake in the activities to create the strategy and create a survey of young people in Hadleigh to help inform the strategy. Once the strategy was adopted, the working group was disbanded.
In July 2022, Hadleigh Town Council adopted the Hadleigh Youth Strategy. The objectives are being worked on by the council, focusing on year 1 objectives initially and are working closely with Hadleigh High School to inaugurate the Hadleigh Youth Council. Networking sessions (the second objective listed in the strategy) between groups and establishments in the town who work with young people are ongoing and proving valuable to all attending.
On 19th January 2023, the Full Council approved the creation of the Youth Council to sit as a committee under it and the terms of reference were agreed. The three Councillors appointed to the Youth Council committee are Cllr Beggerow, Cllr Gower and Cllr Taylor. Achieving the first objective listed in the youth strategy, Hadleigh Youth Council was set up in April 2023 and you can view their meeting agendas and minutes online. If you would like any further information about the Youth Council, please contact the Wendy on townclerk@hadleightowncouncil.gov.uk
The Youth Council, supporting the fourth objective listed in the youth strategy, have organised an event on 1st September 2023 called “Ignite” a “dynamic festival meticulously crafted by young people, for young people, igniting a vibrant celebration that resonates with the energy, aspirations, and creative spirit of our youth”. It is anticipated this will be repeated annually.
Hadleigh Youth Council have started a craft club, held in The Guildroom (entrance opposite the church porch) every Wednesday from 4-5pm.
The survey of young people was concluded on 24th November 2021 and the analysis of answers and feedback video created (603 students at Hadleigh High School responded) are below.
Report for full YP survey and Appendix 1) survey results from Explorers
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sAJWrNBJZyfTjzKjPNfbKErwetVLOwS7/view?usp=sharing
Please note that you may need to download the video from the link or select “open with” if it doesn’t play automatically.