Published on 10th September 2021

Young people at the NCLB Children's Festival 2017

From today (Friday 10 September) the town’s children and young people are being invited to take part in No Child Left Behind’s Our Future consultation.

Working with Cheltenham schools and youth groups, NCLB is encouraging children and young people to voice their opinions on important topics such as climate change and the future development of the town.

Schools and youth groups who haven’t had a chance to sign up can do so by visiting the council’s engagement website - nclbcheltenham.org.uk/ourfuture - and register their interest.

Cllr Flo Clucas member for communities said: “Our children and our young people are our future. They have a voice, concerns and advice that should be heard. It has always been important that children and young people are involved in the decisions that impact their lives. We are determined that they will be. As we recover from the global Covid-19 pandemic it is now more important than ever. 

“Although Cheltenham is a great place to live, we want to hear from the experts (the children and young people who live here) about what they like most about their area and how they think it can be improved. The innovation and enthusiasm that children and young people will bring to decision making will help build a better Cheltenham. It will also help the children and young people re-engage with their community following a long period of uncertainty and isolation.’’

Subject experts will also be available to support the schools with the topics and children will be able to respond in a variety of ways so that it is age appropriate and giving them as much opportunity as possible to express themselves. Feedback will be given directly to schools and young people about the difference their views have made.

Cllr Max Wilkinson, member for climate emergency, continued: “Cheltenham has declared a climate emergency and is working towards carbon neutrality for the council and the wider borough.  We are doing this precisely because we want a better future for children, whose voices are too often not heard on bigger issues.  Our town’s young people will have a lot longer to deal with the consequences of climate change, so it’s only right that they are asked for their opinions and people in positions of responsibility respond accordingly.’’

Mayor of Cheltenham, Cllr Steve Harvey, said: “We need to hear the views of children and young people in the town and will make sure their views are heard as widely as possible.’

To find out more about the consultations, which decision making bodies will hear the consultation results or request speakers visit: https://haveyoursay.cheltenham.gov.uk/no-child-left-behind/our-future-autumn-sign-up.  

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