Youth Forum

What's the RBWM Youth Forum?

The RBWM Youth Forum scheme was established to get young people aged 11-19 to meet on a regular basis and act upon issues affecting the way they live in the Borough and take these issues up with the organisations concerned – e.g. the Council and others who make these decisions. 

How does the forum work?

The RBWM Youth Forum operates on two levels:

The first level comprises three Youth Action Groups – one for Maidenhead and surrounding area, one for Windsor and surrounding area and one for Ascot and surrounding area.  Each of these groups meets once every three weeks to discuss and act upon specific local issues.

The second level is a Borough-wide Youth Forum. You can join this Forum in addition to your local Youth Action Group. Two representatives from each of a number of local groups will also take their seats on this Forum. These groups include all secondary and middle schools, and colleges and youth clubs in the Borough. This Forum will meet formally on a quarterly basis and act upon issues affecting young people throughout the Borough.  Project groups within this Forum will meet as often as required.

It is hoped that the RBWM Youth Forums whether on a Borough-wide or local level will communicate with each other, especially when dealing with common issues. We hope that in the future this can be done via the website.

Do youth forums make a difference?
Yes, although at the end of the day you get out of it as much as you are prepared to put in!


Here are some examples of successful youth forum projects from around the country:

• Film seasons
• Mobile youth clubs
• Teen shelters
• Skate parks
• Young persons newsletter and website
• Increased use of council buildings for use by young people

Current projects of the RBWM Youth Forum scheme:

• Improved drugs education in schools and youth clubs
• Young People friendly Advantage Card scheme with more offers for young people
• Improved youth facilities for young people in the Borough
• Youth Forum 'Make it so...' Conference 2004
• Improving transport for young people in the Borough
• Organising an under 18s night club in Maidenhead

What's in it for me?
By getting involved in the Forum you can benefit from the following:

• New or improved services and facilities which have been thought through with your needs in mind
• The opportunity to meet new friends and organise social events such as residentials and days out
• Get training in research, public speaking, presentation skills etc.
• All this plus official accreditation from Millennium Volunteers and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme which will help you when applying for a job or a place at college or university.

OK I'm interested. What next?

Phone Danny Gomm on 01628 510289 or email youthforum@rbwm.gov.uk. He can advise you on which forum to join and where and when that particular forum meets.

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