Lancashire leaders champion aspirations of the next generation

Lancashire County Council has re-affirmed its commitment to giving young people a voice at the decision-making table.

Leaders met at Thursday's Cabinet to champion their ongoing pledge to listen to young people by endorsing the Children and Young People's Participation Strategy.

The document, aimed at those up to the age of 19, 25 for care leavers and young people with SEND, outlines how the council plans to engage with youth to promote and support the aspirations of the next generation.

Cosima Towneley, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: "We are committed to actively engaging with our young people so that everyone has a say in how decisions are made in Lancashire.

"Our recent Good Ofsted report congratulated us on the child-focussed approach of council leaders and celebrated our increasing investment and innovative approach to child services. This is an exciting time to be involved in helping the next generation find their feet.

"We commend this strategy to our partner organisations and look forward to driving this forward in tandem with our partners to consolidate the voice of children and young people across the children’s system."

Children and young people aged 0-19 years old make up almost a quarter of Lancashire’s population. This strategy is for all services within Lancashire County Council, but particularly the ones that work directly with youth, early help and social care teams. It also looks to increase engagement with groups such as the Lancashire Youth Council and initiatives such as LINX and POWAR which champion youngsters in care and with SEND, respectively.