Bringing young people together with businesses and decision makers

Young people took to the floor at this year's warm up events to tell a host of business representatives and politicians their thoughts and ideas on current issues including the riots, youth unemployment and University fees.

The overriding message that came out of all four events was that young people are feeling increasing despondent about their future prospects. They are worried about their employment prospects and frustrated at the lack of opportunity to voice their opinions and engage with local decision makers.

Nowhere was this more apparent than at the Birmingham Kick off event where the city is suffering the highest unemployment in the country. A poll taken at the event showed that 63% of young people could not see themselves building a future in Birmingham and 64% feel that the city is not doing enough to tackle youth unemployment.

The events were focused on creating open forums where young people could voice their opinions to the people who are in positions to act on their comments. 

Envision Birmingham’s Regional Manager, Cameron Nimmo, said, “As adults we all have a responsibility to respond to the concerns raised by the young people. Young people are facing some tough challenges and its important now more than ever to get behind them and give them the inspiration, the encouragement and the support to help them realise their ambitions.”

The events attracted some top guests including Minister for Civil Society, Nick Hurd who opened the London event in Westminster with a welcome speech to the young people. Speaking about Envision he said, “I think what Envision are doing is really important and I just wanted to come along and show some support and congratulate the young people who’ve stepped up and said ‘I’d like to get involved’

Lord Butler also joined the young people in discussion alongside local councillors and representatives from the private sector including EDF Energy, Legal & General, Transport for London and Life Agency.

The intergenerational discussion forums proved incredibly popular with adult guests who afterwards commented, "I was amazed and pleased at the ambition of the young people. The views I heard today will be incorporated into our Community Engagement Plans where ever possible".

Another delegate fed back saying, "Seeing first hand the kind of impact Envision has in encouraging and feeding continuous positive change amongst young people was extremely eye-opening to say the least. To have so many positive young people all eager to make a change, full of self belief and pride definitely changed my perspective.
Further events are planned in next year to follow up on the issues raised and to offer further opportunity for businesses to have frank and open discussions with young people.