More than 800 pupils from secondary schools in Dover District are attending the second Dover District Youth Conference, which is being held at Discovery Park in Sandwich on 20 March to explore a range of issues around keeping safe.
The conference provides opportunities for young people to take part in a series of practical sessions, with guest speakers and highlights including:
- Dan Simpson – Dan will be hosting the day, he also presents the afternoon show on the national radio station Fun Kids
- Amelix ‘Is it Worth It’ Road Tour – a workshop focussing on tackling cyberbullying and inappropriate uses of mobile and digital technology
- Robbie White – a singer/songwriter and film actor based in Kent, as well as working with Amelix, he has a solo career and has been touring Europe
- Sammy Woodhouse – an author, public speaker, campaigner & fundraiser who has campaigned to protect children, including Sammy’s Law
- The Metropolitan Police Gangs and Knife Crime team will be helping to raise awareness of issues to keep young people safe
- Matt Fagg from Addaction – Addaction help people change behaviours, Matt will help raise awareness of risks including risks around alcohol and smoking
- Josh Williams – works for the Institute of Strategic Dialogue, he will be focussing on critical thinking, media literacy and digital citizenship.
The conference has been organised by Dover District Council, with the Dover District Community Safety Partnership. It will cover a range of key issues, including online safety, gangs and knife crime, and substance misuse. This is part of ongoing work to listen to and engage with young people, to provide important information and give them an active voice in our communities.
Cllr MJ Holloway, DDC Cabinet Member for Community Services, and Chairman of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership said: “Young people today are better connected than ever, but this also exposes them to risks. Society places ever greater pressures on young people, and this can draw them into a range of issues.
“Following the success of last year’s conference, we wanted to continue to provide opportunities for young people to come together to explore issues around staying safe. It is wonderful to see that this year’s event has grown to become bigger and better, so much so we are delighted to be welcoming national experts and speakers to our district to help keep our children safe. Hopefully, young people will leave with a greater awareness of risks, along with some practical advice and information.”
Posted on 04 March 2019