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The Kids are Taking Over
Some of the borough’s top jobs are up for
grabs and the hunt is now on for the next generation of movers and
shakers to take over – for one day only. Friday November 23 will be the
first ever 11 Million Takeover Day and Wigan’s backing the exciting
event to the hilt.
The day will be a chance for children and young people to take over from
the adults and get a unique insight into the world of work for some of
the borough’s big decision makers.
Organised nationally by the Children’s Commissioner for England, Sir Al
Aynsley-Green the project aims to ensure that the views of children and
young people are listened to and taken seriously. Organisers believe
that by bringing children and young people into the heart of the
decision-making process they can increase understanding of their best
interests.
The Wigan event is being organised by the council’s Youth Participation
Service and the hunt is now on for children and young people to fill
some of the top jobs. Youth Participation Manager Roy Pass says: “We
have a number of fantastic opportunities for children and young people
to take over on November 23 and we’re currently asking schools, colleges
and youth groups to put forward volunteers.
“The event is all about getting young people involved in the
decision-making process and to find out a little bit more about how
things work.”
So what’s on offer for the young volunteers on Takeover Day?
• Borough Fire Chief John Harding wants four young people to act as his
consultants for the day. They may not be riding the engine but they will
be reviewing management and decision-making challenges within the Wigan
force.
• Chief Executive of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Acute Health Trust
Andrew Foster will be convening a 12-strong young people’s panel to help
him look at health services for young people.
• Wigan Council’s Policy and Performance Chief Katherine Fairclough is
looking for up to three young people to help her plan to improve the
council’s performance.
• Wigan and Leigh Housing Chief Executive Ashley Crumbley already has a
special ‘link programme’ in place with pupils from Pembec and Hesketh
Fletcher and they will be gaining an insight into the workings of the
borough’s largest provider of social housing.
• Nick Trotter, Chief Officer for Wigan and Leigh Council for Voluntary
Services is looking for young people to explore the work of the
organisation in greater detail.
• Wigan Council Equality and Diversity Manager Andrew McCorkle is
looking for young consultant to help him improve his team’s website.
• Youth Service chief Sheila Martland will be issuing an exciting
challenge to her young volunteers. As yet it’s still top secret!
• Elaine Dann, Strategy Manager for the borough’s Connexions service is
also looking for young volunteers to find out more about the careers and
advice centres.
The event follows on from the borough’s recent hugely successful Local
Democracy Week which saw children and young people getting involved in
lots of activities designed to make them more familiar with the work of
the council and its partners.
These included Question Time-style debates, Mayor for a Day, I’m a
Councillor Get Me Out of Here and young reporters interviewing council
members.
“We’ve have been really lucky to get some very high-profile people to
take part in this event and to show the young volunteers more about what
they do,” says Roy. “Now all we need is the children and young people to
take part. We’re pretty sure we will not be short of volunteers and
we’ll be drawing up a short-list soon.”
• To find out more about 11 Million Day in Wigan and how to get involved
you can call Youth Participation: Angela, Maureen or Roy on 01942 510112
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Notes to Editors
• The Children’s Commissioner for England is a position created by the
Children Act 2004 to be the independent voice for all children and young
people in England.
• For more information contact Wigan Council Youth Participation Manager
Roy Pass on 01942 705151 or Phil Green at Wigan Council’s Press Office
on 01942 827369.
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