Orkney’s young people gather for Chamber Debate

This year’s Youth Chamber Debate will take place on Monday (December 11).

Young people from Kirkwall Grammar School, Stromness Academy, isles’ Junior Highs, Orkney College and the Connect Project have all been invited to take part in the debate which is held every two years in the Chamber at the Council Offices in Kirkwall.

Senior officials from the Council along with a number of elected members and professionals from various agencies and services, involved in providing support services for young people, have also been invited to participate in the event.

The four topics chosen for discussion on the day are:-

• Mental Health  - What mental health services exist for young people in Orkney and how can they be improved
• Work Experience Opportunities - Are current work experience opportunities for young people in Orkney relevant and accessible?               
• LGBT+ Young People - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and transgender+ young people deserve to be treated the same as everyone else; discrimination needs to be challenged
• Young People and Alcohol - To promote positive relationships between young people and alcohol, young people between the ages of 16 and 18 should be able to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages at specific times and locations.

Wilfred Weir is the Council’s Executive Director of Education, Learning and Housing.  He said: “This event gives young people from across Orkney to discuss issues which affect them, and to encounter and talk through a wide range of opinions.

“Importantly, it gives our senior officers here in the Council and elected members a deeper understanding of the ways issues impact on young people, and the ideas they have for improving and enriching their experience growing up in Orkney.

“It is a valuable learning experience for participants - developing their experience of putting forward ideas and opinions while also listening constructively to the feelings and ideas of others.”