Young Voices have plenty to shout about

Group shot of people at the RBH Young Voices birthday event at Rochdale Town Hall

A group of youngsters committed to improving neighbourhoods across the borough celebrated their group’s first birthday in style with a special event at Rochdale Town Hall.

Around 180 youngsters aged 8-17, whose parents are members of RBH or live in RBH neighbourhoods, make up the Young Voices.

The interactive birthday party gave Young Voices members the chance to get involved in a range of activities including ice-breaking games, drama, music, poetry, a shadow puppet workshop and some added surprises.

In addition the day explored which issues matter to young people and showed how they can use their voice democratically, including a question and answer session with RBH Chief Executive Gareth Swarbrick.

The party was organised and hosted by 13 young people who make up the RBH Young Voices steering group.

Over the past year the group has learnt about the importance of teamwork, engaged with other members and provided valuable feedback to RBH on issues including the best use of open spaces and the development of the mutual housing society’s new website.

RBH Community Action Worker Khalida Crossley said: “It’s incredible how much has been achieved in just 12 months by the Young Voices who have shown a real commitment to helping to shape the future of their communities.

“We’re all really proud that the efforts of the steering group have been recognised by being shortlisted within the Cohesion category at the Rochdale Diversity Awards.”

With the support of the Co-operative College in Manchester, the steering group meet in their own time to learn about community issues, whilst developing the skills and the confidence to make their voices heard.

They worked towards an ASDAN award which recognises the life, learning and job skills they developed.

Ruth Holtom, Youth Projects Co-ordinator at the Co-operative College, said: “It has been a fantastic year and I am very proud of everything that these enthusiastic and committed young people have achieved.

"I’m sure the scheme will continue to go from strength-to-strength.”