Youth Council fact finding in Bielefeld

Rochdale Youth Council and the Young Carers’ group recently took part in a fact finding visit to Rochdale’s twin town of Bielefeld in Germany. The purpose of their visit was to research the support young people receive to give them a voice and to increase their involvement and influence in the decisions that are made that affect their lives.

The programme for the week included an official reception with the Burgermeister’ (Mayor Elect) of Bielefeld in which both groups from Rochdale gave a presentation of their work and achievements. From this they left information and a DVD in support of the many benefits of young people having a voice and making a positive contribution.

The Mayor of Bielefeld was delighted with the presentations from the Youth Council and Young Carers. He said that currently in Germany, they are not as organised as we are in getting the voice of young people heard and was quoted saying, “Germany needs to start listening to its young people”.

The visit was during the German election season, which they have every five years. As the current Mayor will not be standing again, he appeared keen to push youth empowerment up the political agenda as soon as possible. The Youth Council was told that the very next day in a meeting of the Council, the Mayor mentioned the work
of Rochdale Youth Council and Young Carers.

The Mayor was very impressed with the delegation, the young people and the work they do.

Groups have been invited back to Bielefeld.

The Mayor also said that he hoped both towns would be in contact more regularly in order to share best practice and maintain a link.