Children ponder £2,000 question
Guests at Fylde Children's Trust.
News article
Pupils from 15 schools had a nice dilemma when they met at Fylde Local Children’s Trust – how to spend £2,000.
The money will be given to them for projects they suggest. And being Fylde children they were not shy about volunteering ideas.
The trust co-ordinates the child-related activities of Fylde Council, the NHS, Lancashire County Council, police, fire services and other public agencies. Members met at Lowther Pavilion on Wednesday to give children the chance to say how children’s services should be provided.
“Fylde children are very forthright”, said Councillor Karen Buckley who takes over this month as chair of the Trust.
“Some wanted computer clubs, some wanted more equipment for schools and one even wanted trips to Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
“The £2,000 is the tip of the iceberg of what is spent for children in the area, but it will get them thinking of what is best for them and others.”
The day-long event, which included dance sessions and discussion groups, was designed to put children in the driving seat when it comes to child-related services.
The area was the first in Lancashire to have a Trust. A similar event when the trust was launched in 2008 resulted in demands for improved parks, removal of chewing gum from pavements and action to stop people hanging around street corners at night.
“We’ve hired machines to remove chewing gum, we’ve worked with partners to invest in parks, started Chilli’s Café for young people and started a programme of sports outreach”, Councillor Buckley added.
“This year’s event allowed children to say what they want for the future to keep them safe, healthy and achieving well in life.
“We’ll consider their priorities and put together an action plan for the future. We’ll involve them in the month-to-month activities of the trust – and give them a chance to agree on what to spend their £2,000 on.”