1,000 Tilehurst Young People Have Their Say

8 November 2021

A survey, co-designed with young people from across Tilehurst to get their views on local facilities, has received over 1,050 responses. The Parish Council will now engage support to carry out a thorough analysis to ensure any actions taken forward are based on the direct feedback provided and ensure the recommendations are supported by young people themselves.

Early review of the survey has shown some priority themes such as mental health, access to places to meet friends and have fun, creative arts and sports activities.

The council will take the results back to young people to help shape the recommendations and, as well as holding sessions at the two schools in the parish, they are offering local young people the opportunity to attend a special session at the Cornwell Centre on Saturday 27 November, 2pm – 4pm, with some light refreshments provided. We would be very grateful if young people planning to attend could let us know in advance, for catering purposes. Please email: bookings@tilehurstpc.co.uk

The purpose of these sessions is to present the findings and to collect ideas about what shape the recommendations should take.

The final report with recommendations will be presented for adoption to the Parish Council in December.

Cllr Clive Taylor, who chairs the Youth and Community Working Group who commissioned Berkshire Youth to carry out the survey, said: “This has been an astounding response, giving us a significant insight into what matters for our young residents. It’s a real opportunity to target our investment in young people where it will make the biggest difference. I would like to thank the young people who have given their time to complete this survey and we are taking their views very seriously. This would not have been so successful without the help of Denefield and Little Heath schools who welcomed the opportunity and helped engage students to respond. Finally the commitment from all the members of the working group: Cllr Glenn Dennis, Cllr Alison Foster and Cllr Teresa Downes, and Sgt Daniel Lond of Thames Valley Police shows what is possible in Parish Councils.”

Thames Valley Police commented: “There is very rich data coming from the survey responses which will help us target our resources to age groups and schools, for example. This is a valuable piece of work which we hope to share with other councils, demonstrating how we can work together.”

Berkshire Youth added: “In our experience of working with young people, councils and communities, this has been a great partnership which has delivered fantastic results and we are excited that there is a commitment from the council to continue their approach to co-produce the next steps with young people.”