Moving on up, moving on in

Date published: 21 November 2014


OLDHAM Youth Council is on the move to a new home in the borough’s corridors of power.

The group will relocate from Rock Street Resource Centre to a dedicated office in the Civic Centre where it will be given access to meeting rooms and support from council departments.

Youth Council meetings will be held there every fortnight, alongside weekly task meetings.

Barrier Breakers, the forum for young people with additional needs and disabilities will share the new space. The central location means it will be more accessible for youth councillors and young people.

The new base is the result of a pledge from Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon to invest in facilities and support for the youth council.

He said: “It demonstrates how valued the youth council is as a part of Oldham’s democracy. It also shows the close and effective working relationship the youth council has with Oldham Council.

“The Youth Council does a great job, engages young people in the political process, and increases their participation as they move into adulthood.”

Oldham Youth Council was the first in the country to be officially recognised by a council and given full constitutional rights. Members are involved in influencing budgets and the commissioning of children’s and young people’s services.

Youth Mayor Daisy Murphy said: “The Youth Council is really excited about the move. We are really appreciative of the investment made in us. We already have an excellent relationship with council and being located alongside the elected members can only enhance this further.”