Neighbourhood Plan: New survey for the Valley's youth >>> how to keep young people in the Sid Valley

The Sid Valley's young people have been asked what they'd like to see their home look like over the coming years:
Futures Forum: Neighbourhood Plan: New survey for the Valley's youth >>> 'First taste of democracy in action for Sid Valley youngsters'

The results are now emerging with the first piece of analysis:


What interesting jobs are needed to keep young people in the Sid Valley?

06:52 02 January 2017

Eleanor Pipe

Pupils at Sidmouth College with their Sid Valley neighbourhood plan forms. Ref shs 49-16TI 3084. Picture: Terry Ife

Biggest ever survey of its kind paves way for more collaborative working

Young people are being asked what they would consider an interesting job in a bid to secure their future prospects in the Sid Valley.

More than 1,200 students in the seven to 18 age group have now completed the Neighbourhood Plan survey – the biggest ever of its kind in the parish.

Those leading the project say it is paving the way for more collaborative work with young people.

With the support of Sidmouth College, St John’s School and Sidmouth and Sidbury primary schools, pupils have had their first taste of democracy in action.

Initial responses indicate that young people are seeking ‘interesting jobs’ to keep them in the Sid Valley and the Neighbourhood Plan steering group is now asking ‘what would make an interesting job?’.

Tim Salt, who is compiling the surveys, said: “Innovative ideas include a zip wire from St John’s down to the beach, a climbing centre, dedicated courts for basketball and a sandy area on the beach for volleyball.”

Responses will feed into the Neighbourhood Plan, which – once adopted – will shape future developments in the Sid Valley for the next 20 years and beyond.

Councillor Louise Cole, deputy chairman of the steering group, said: “Young people give us a perspective that can challenge us all to think of innovative development solutions to make sure everyone is catered for.

“This is a first for the Sid Valley to involve young people in this way and, I believe, paves the way for much greater working with our children and young people.”

Find out more about the Sid Valley Neighbourhood Plan via: www.sidmouth.gov.uk/index.php/neighbourhood-plan 

Pass on a copy of the Herald and ask young people what they consider an interesting job. Respond to the question on Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #SidValleyInterestingJobs to enable employers to see what they can do about creating them in the future.

What interesting jobs are needed to keep young people in the Sid Valley? - News - Sidmouth Herald

Meanwhile, there has been a rather uncertain future for the town's youth centre:
Futures Forum: Young Devon to run three sessions a week at the Manstone Youth Centre in Sidmouth
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Youth Centre to reopen with Town Council funding

But this has now been resolved by the Town Council deciding to buy it from the County outright: 
Council’s youth centre gift for town’s youngsters - News - Sidmouth Herald
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