Young people make their voices heard

The youths, aged between 11 and 13, are part of the REACT info-station on the Castlewellan Road and have teamed up with the National Children’s Bureau (NCB NI) to take part in the “Get UR Voice Heard” programme.

The scheme aims to develop confidence in young people so they can speak out on issues close to their hearts.

Gill Hassard from NCB NI said, “NCB’s work aims to ensure young people have a strong voice in all matters that affect their lives. Our experience suggests that through good participation experiences children and young people gain confidence, are empowered to become more actively involved in matters that affect them, build more positive relationships with the adults with whom they engage and are better prepared to make the transition to adulthood.”

The young people have been discussing anti-social behaviour in their area and will be campaigning in the future to tackle what they view as problem areas.

For more information please contact Gill Hassard at NCB on [email protected] or Kate Russell at REACT [email protected].