Virtual Youth Conference goes ahead to explore ‘Keeping Safe during COVID’
The Council funded the eleventh annual Youth Conference to bring students from schools and colleges together virtually to explore the timely theme of ‘Keeping Safe during COVID’.
The event took place Wednesday 11 November and normally takes place in a local college or public building. This year, with Coronavirus government guidelines, the conference organiser Stacey Miller Consultancy, was able to facilitate an online version of the conference.
Over 100 pupils and professionals were represented from all the schools and colleges and youth agencies operating in the Borough. They discussed subjects such as mental health, online safety, relationships and drugs in workshops.
The conference received support from local organisations including Groundwork Solent, Solent Youth Action, No Limits, Yellow Door and Hampshire Isle of Wight Youth Commission.
Stacey Miller, of Stacey Miller Consultancy, said “More than ever, this event was important to prioritise about taboo subjects like mental health and to keep our young people safe.”
Lorraine Barkshire, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Head of Year at The Hamble School, said “I have been attending the Youth Conference for a few years now, I love it, the students love it and we learn so much. I use the information and strategies I learn for my safeguarding role as well as my every day teaching role in school. Long may we have the Eastleigh Youth Conference.”
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Councillor Tonia Craig, said: “We are committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of young people is supported in the Borough. An open and safe forum for young people to discuss and explore themes relevant to them is vital to ensure education and support is provided. Thank you to all the organisations who helped make this a successful event in a challenging year.”