Making a Difference – Nottinghamshire Pioneers Youth Forum
Pioneers Youth Forum is managed by disabled and non-disabled young people working together with support staff. They set the agenda, look after the finance, distribute notes from meetings and are actively involved in developing and improving services and opportunities for young disabled people.
The group was recently invited as mystery shoppers to visit UK Youth Adventure Centre in Hampshire. Young people expressed their opinions on accessibility, attitudes of staff and the overall experience. Every young person contributed to a report that has been sent to the Board of UK Youth. From this an action plan is being developed which will be sent to Pioneers on completion.
The group is also involved with a major piece of work with Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre at Laxton. They are working with the access officer to develop accessibility to the centre and resources. Recently they were asked to comment on the plans for the new museum and have a meeting planned with the centre manager, where they will discuss their ideas to create a sculpture to represent disabled people’s experience during the Holocaust.
The future agenda includes training as Inspectors and continuing their involvement in looking at Youth Initiative Grants and attending County Youth Assembly.
Young Disabled People Gain Confidence Through Participation
KEIRAN’S helping to improve access for other disabled people: Kirsty is excited about politics; Sian is passionate about giving everybody a voice. And all three young people feel more confidence in themselves through membership of the Nottinghamshire Pioneers youth forum for disabled people.
The group meets monthly in Mansfield and attracts up to 20 young people, aged 14-25, from across Nottinghamshire.
It includes young disabled people with autism, physical impairments and learning difficulties.
Member Keiran Stobbs, 22, from Warsop, said: "Taking part in the group has increased our confidence by giving us a voice. It also makes it easier to find work if we want a job because it shows we can commit and have experience."
Keiran has been involved in disability audits of buildings and facilities, including the Connexions Nottinghamshire bus.
The Pioneers have also enjoyed a day in London where they visited the House of Commons and spoke to MPs.
The experiences caused some Pioneers members, such as 20-year-old Kirsty Fisher, to become more engaged in the politic process.
"I would vote now, where I wouldn’t have voted before the trip to London," said Kirsty, from Bingham.
Like Kirsty, another Pioneers member, Sian Davies, 22, is studying at college and now possesses secretarial skills.
Sian said her confidence has been significantly enhanced by joining the Pioneers.
Sian added: "I’m more confident now because I’m getting my voice heard. Also, some people here can’t speak and I can speak for them. Everybody has a right to have their say. Everybody."
Margaret Clement
