Shepway Youth Forum

What is the SYF?

The Shepway Youth Forum (SYF) is a group that has been established since 2004 to enable young people in Shepway between the age of 11-19 to 'Have a Voice' and influence what is happening around them.

The forum meets every two weeks to discuss a wide range of issues affecting young people in Shepway and work together on projects to the benefit of young people. Please see a list of meeting dates attached below.

There are currently around 50 members of the SYF and 8 of these members are elected each year to form the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee are responsible for the general running and organisation of the SYF.

What have we done so far?

C2YP (Councillors to Young People)
The SYF has established a working relationship with Shepway District Council and meets with councillors every four months in order to influence decisions taking place and to break down the barriers between older and younger generations.

Kent Police
A positive meeting took place with Kent Police's Chief Inspector Wilczek in February 2004, when the young people of the forum had an opportunity to air their opinions about different issues, including dispersal areas in Shepway. The police received the comments well and are keen to establish regular meetings with the group.

French Connection
In May 2004 SYF visited a youth club in Cambrais near Lille, France, called 'Eclipse'. It was the tenth anniversary of the club and the SYF was invited as part of an Interreg project to create a cross-border youth council and exchange views and experiences of the young people from the two areas.

Folkestone Youth Project (FYP)
Members of the SYF have been involved in the local FYP to develop a youth centre in east Folkestone. This is something that the whole youth forum will be encouraged to input towards in order to make the venue a successful place for young people to hang out.

Team Building
The SYF members are from a variety of schools and different backgrounds. The first team-building event was arranged in February 2004. The group went to the Tate Britain gallery where they took part in team-building exercises with an artist. They then went on to Madame Tussauds in the afternoon. The day was successful in bringing the SYF together as a team.

How can the SYF benefit me?

Through the SYF members are able to put forward their views and opinions on various issues/projects taking place across Shepway, therefore having an opportunity to positively influence what is happening in their environment and generally improving the area for other young people.

There are many personal skills members are set to acquire through involvement of the SYF. Knowledge, confidence, presentation skills, debating skills, social responsibility, self-esteem and citizenship development are just some of the personal factors members can hope to develop.

How can I join the SYF?

Anyone between the ages of 11-19 living in Shepway can join the SYF.

Text or email us your details including: name, address, postcode, age, mobile number and school if applicable. Or just come along to one of the meetings!

Youth Development Officer
Shepway District Council
Civic Centre
Castle Hill Avenue
Folkestone, Kent CT20 2QY

01303 853277 or text: 07990 543397

Contact us