This year we have decided to have sub groups or ‘Special Interest Groups’.
Some of us feel that because there is so much going on that we prefer to go to the meetings that talk about subjects that we have a special interest in.
This year our sub groups cover the following subjects:
Transport, Ecology & Regeneration (TER)
Social Issues
Sport & Leisure
Arts & Culture
Under 18s
Publicity
Here is an update on each group
TRANSPORT, ECOLOGY AND REGENERATION
Facilitator is Kelvin and he writes:
“The TER sub-group has met a number of times now and we have 3 main priorities to work on and pursue. Firstly we are going to campaign for the saviour of the Hastings to Gatwick direct train as we feel it is a useful service that should not be axed, secondly we will campaign for child fares on buses for all young people up to the age of 18 in full time education as these people don’t have the time to work and so can’t get the money to use the services at the high adult prices and this is unfair, thirdly campaign to Sea Space (the company doing regeneration) for a centre for all youth organisations with practice space and space for youth groups such as Xtrax, because after the re-development of the Priory quarter there may not be room for them. A suitable area MUST be found for such groups and regeneration at the moment seems only to benefit tourists – what about us residents? What about the young people from Hastings?”
TRANSPORT, ECOLOGY AND REGENERATION SUB GROUP – Campaign for cheaper fares.
SOCIAL ISSUES
Facilitator is Elissa and she writes:
“So far we have plans to do a road show with as many schools as possible
covering as many parts of social issues which concern young people, we also
hope to get a questionnaire out to all schools asking about issues we will
be covering and if there should be any others. The issues that will hopefully
be covering are Anti-bullying, smoking ban, smacking ban, street safety, votes
at 16, Rights Awareness and homelessness. We will also be asking for a range
of people to come in and speak to us about issues which concern many young
people and what their plans are for trying to prevent it? Also I would like
the group to consult with more young people and arrange a drop in session
similar to what we have done before.”
SPORT & LEISURE
Facilitator is Hollie and she writes:
“Since we last met, Keith Duly who is the Sports Development Manager
for Hastings Borough Council came to our Youth Forum meeting. During this
meeting (for minutes see YOUTH FORUM page), there was a discussion about ways
of involving young people in their consultation processes. He agreed to work
with us and we’ll keep you up to date how this goes.
ARTS
Facilitator is Molly and she writes:
“Hello everyone, we recently decided on our top three priorities for
the coming year:
I am in contact with Alastair Fairley, the chair of Hastings Arts Forum and it seems that we have a venue for the exhibition. He also knows of lots of venues that could be used for rehearsal and gig space that aren’t currently being utilised. In regards to the graffiti wall, we plan to make a presentation to Cabinet.”
ARTS SUB GROUP – Campaign for a graffiti wall.
UNDER 18s
Facilitator is Stephen and he writes:
At our recent sub-group meeting we decided on two things that are our top
priority. They are
I have written to our MP Michael Foster asking him to support the Votes at 16 campaign.
