I’ve been alerted to this upcoming event by Councillor Mike Flower and Walsall Council’s press office, and it seems like a great event. Following the success of the party for the opening of the skate park, this should go well, too. It’s important that young people get their voices heard by authority, and I can’t think of a better way to do it. Free grub, too…

If any reader attends and would like to do a report, please mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com – cheers.

Youths to have their say at BBQ event

Date Published : 17 August 2010

Young people in Walsall Wood are being invited to give their views on the area in which they live at a special BBQ event next week.

John Morris, newly appointed area manager for Walsall Wood, Aldridge, Streetly and Pheasey has arranged a ‘BBQ in the Park’ on Friday 20 August 2010. The event will take place from 6pm to 8pm on the green space behind Oak Park Leisure Centre.

It’s an opportunity for youths to have their say on the current services and activities that occur in Walsall as well as help to identify how the council and its partners can make improvements to their everyday lives.

John will be joined by local councillors and partners including NHS Walsall and the council’s Young People’s Support Services amongst others to engage with the young people who congregate at the site on Friday evenings.

Advice and support on drugs, plus free health checks and confidential advice from NHS Walsall will be available, including screening for Chlamydia in a private room at the leisure centre.

There will be lots of activities and information for young people to engage in, such as free BBQ food and drinks, free use of facilities at Oak Park Leisure Centre including swimming, badminton and table tennis courts, a 5-a-side football tournament and use of the Skate Park.

“Both I and our other area managers are looking to engage with young people to find out how youth services can be improved here in Walsall,” said John.

“Many young people have excellent ideas and suggestions as to how improvements can be made in their local area and this is an opportunity for them to share such views.

“We want as many young people as possible to come along and talk to us. Parents and friends are more than welcome to come along too.”

Walsall’s Area Partnership scheme, launched in May this year, engages residents and involves them in how partners including Walsall Council, NHS Walsall, Walsall Police and others provide services.

To find out more about Walsall’s Area Partnership scheme or talk through a problem or concern, call the team on 01922 652284 or visit www.walsallpartnership.org.uk