Speed dating with a difference
Released: 6 November 2007
Teenagers from across Wolverhampton took part in speed dating with a difference when they spent an evening quizzing politicians and other key figures in the city.
More than 60 young people took part in the session at Molineux’s Terrace Bar last Friday 2 November. The aim of the informal evening was to break down barriers between teenagers and decision makers.
Councillor Paula Brookfield, cabinet member for children and young people and Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East, were among the ‘dates’ as well as council officers and staff from other agencies.
Organisers designed the evening to run like a speed dating session where each teenager got to spend four minutes with up to 20 different decision makers. They were able to talk about their issues of concern, ask questions and learn more about the role of each decision maker.
Councillor Paula Brookfield, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The evening was a real success, it was a pleasure to meet the teenagers and listen first-hand to their issues and questions. It was an informal event, but it served a serious purpose to break down barriers between two groups of people who perhaps don’t always communicate directly with each other as often as they should.”
The political speed dating night was part of a series of events in Wolverhampton to mark the Local Democracy Campaign 2007. The campaign, coordinated nationally by the Local Government Association, aims to encourage young people to become more involved in local decision making.
This is the fifth consecutive year that Wolverhampton has participated in the campaign. Organisers say 2007 will be the best yet and the city council is working with the youth council, Black Country Connexions Service and other partners to run a programme of events.
These include things like a trip to the Houses of Parliament, a democracy dinner where young people engaged in topical discussions, a live webcast of a Question Time-style event and exhibitions at the art gallery.
Between now and Christmas, several young people will be joined by a city councillor for the day. They will take them to school and show them what an average day entails.
Issued by the press office.