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“How safe do you feel?” was the question posed to the audience of 58 young people at Babergh District Council’s 3rd Annual Youth Conference. Held on Monday 17th October at Ipswich Town Football Club, the day was packed with thought-provoking sessions from a variety of guest speakers covering topics such as drugs and alcohol misuse, racism, bullying and anti-social behaviour.
Babergh’s first Youth Conference was held in 2003 and raised awareness that more needed to be done to improve the quality of life for young people living in the Babergh district. In 2004 the Council launched its Youth Strategy which laid down the six key priority areas affecting young people: working together with young people in decision making; improving access to services and information; removing barriers to access; providing things to do and facilities; improving the local environment and the focus of this year’s event, promoting health and safety for young people.
This year’s conference was attended by representatives from local schools and youth organisations across the district, together with teachers and group leaders. David Sheepshanks, Chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club opened the day’s events and commented “Ipswich Town Football Club is delighted that Babergh District Council has chosen Portman Road as the venue for their annual Youth Conference. The issues for discussion affect everyone in all walks of life. We fully support anything that raises awareness over issues such as diversity, anti-social behaviour and building safer communities”.
The first of the day’s guest speakers was Renato Masetti, Training Co-ordinator of Suffolk County Council’s Drug Action Team, who was joined by Julia Catterwell, Babergh’s Substance Misuse Officer. An interactive session questioned the delegates on their perceptions of drug and alcohol abuse. Next on the agenda was Sally Scott, Babergh’s Anti-Social Behaviour Network Officer. With a session tagged ‘Get a life – not an ASBO’ those present had a chance to view ‘A Day In The Life’ – a locally produced film aimed at raising awareness of the effects of anti-social behaviour. To close the morning session, and to demonstrate the harrowing subject of bullying, the students of Great Cornard Upper School acted out a hard-hitting self-penned drama.
The afternoon opened with a session on racism, with local actor Michael Clarke delivering his powerful portrayal of a boy growing up, showing him at different stages of his life from childhood to mature adult, and the prejudices he has faced throughout his life.
WPC Di Porter of Suffolk Police hosted the final session which looked at personal safety before Simon Milton, Ipswich Town Academy Sponsorship Manager closed the Conference.
The Youth Conference was timed to coincide with Local Democracy Week, a national event which runs until 21st October
Organiser of the event, Corporate Support Officer Jill Barton was delighted with how the day went: “Everyone who came to the conference this year played an active role throughout the day” she said.
The event was sponsored by Waitrose. Paul Reeley, Manager of the Sudbury branch of the supermarket chain said “We are very pleased to work in partnership with Babergh on an event which focused on such important issues”.
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