YOUNG people from across Cornwall descended on New County Hall in Truro for a “high-energy” third Annual Conversation. 

The event gives them the opportunity to share their views and ideas with council decision-makers, exercising their right to be heard and taken seriously in matters that affect their future. 

During the evening, they discussed a range of topics with senior council representatives, including chief executive Kate Kennally and leader Linda Taylor. Subjects included smoking and vaping, the cost of living, feeling safe in our communities, emotional health and wellbeing, and transition between primary and secondary school. 

Proposed actions included: addressing the hidden costs of hobbies in rural communities; improving mentoring for pupils moving between schools, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND); supporting a ban on disposable vapes; and starting an ‘age doesn’t matter’ children’s rights campaign called Take Me Seriously.  

Cllr Taylor said the energy and passion on display was “hugely inspiring and reassuring”.  

She added: “Young people make up one in five residents here in Cornwall, so events like this are really important to ensure their voices are heard so we can meet their needs and create a better future for them.” 

Throughout the evening, the Y7 News Team – young people mentored by Kernow Education Arts Partnership (KEAP) and former BBC journalists – interviewed attendees including director of public health Rachel Wigglesworth, Eveleen Riordan, service director for education and children’s community health, and Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families.

The first Annual Conversation took place in 2021, following on from significant engagement shown by children and young people for the G7 which came to Cornwall that year. It embraces Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states: “Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously.” 

“It is one of the council’s key pledges that Cornwall should be a brilliant place to be a child and grow up, and the Annual Conversation plays an important role in achieving this goal,” said Cllr Ellenbroek. “I am hugely proud of everyone who took part.”