Young people apply now to take over Croydon!

Young people can apply now for the exciting opportunity to take over some of Croydon’s top jobs as part of the borough’s annual Takeover Challenge next month.

Croydon residents aged between 11 and 18 can sign up for this imaginative event on 21 November, which will see local organisations open their doors to young people – and encourage them to step into the decision-makers’ shoes.

Whether it’s their ambition to have their say on policing London’s biggest borough, or take up the reins at the Town Hall, there will be a huge range of opportunities on offer, with something to appeal to all.

Young participants gain valuable experience from trying out adult roles and responsibilities, as well as an understanding of the some of the challenges facing their communities today. Meanwhile, organisations and senior leaders benefit from a young person’s perspective.

Feedback from young people taking part in previous events has shown that 94 per cent of respondents felt their voices were heard and that they had gained confidence from the experience, while 96 per cent felt they had had the chance to make positive change in Croydon. Meanwhile 100 per cent would recommend other young people participate in the Takeover Challenge.

Croydon Council is accepting applications from young people until 25 October. To apply, visit www.youngcroydon.org,uk. Priority will be given to those who have not previously participated.

In previous years, organisations participating have included Croydon Council, Croydon Police, HMRC,TMRW hub, CDI (Croydon Drop-In), Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group, Palace for Life, and Croydon Safeguarding Children’s Board. Organisations wishing to apply for this year’s event should contact ally.mckinlay@croydon.gov.uk

Takeover Challenge is a national event, which is organised by the Children’s Commissioner’s office and is now in its 12th year. Croydon is taking part under the banner of the council-led Choose your Future campaign, which unites organisations across the borough in support of young people and encourages them to make positive life choices.

“Takeover Challenge is a fantastic event which gives young people an opportunity to have their voices heard on local issues, from community safety to climate change, while giving them great experience and encouraging them to follow their dreams.

“It’s a particularly special event in Croydon, where we are proud to have the largest population of young people in London, and through our Choose Your Future campaign, we are backing all of them, encouraging them to speak out, make positive choices and reach for the very top.”

 

Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning

 

2021-08-20T15:36:24+01:00 October 9th, 2019|Recent news|