Participation of Children and Young People

Lancashire is committed to children and young people being empowered; participating in the services they receive and the communities in which they live.

The purpose of the Active Participation Strategy, which was endorsed by Lancashire Children and Young People's Trust Board in June 2011, is:

• to set out our commitment to implementing a common approach for the participation of children and young people in the design, delivery and evaluation of services and priorities
• to outline our vision to empower children and young people to become active citizens within their localities, the county and the country

An action plan has been developed to set out what we intend to do to implement the strategy during 2012-2013.

The strategy is supported by a participation checklist and a number of 'How to...' guides, which offer practical guidance in developing and embedding participative practices.

A group of pupils from West Lancashire Community High School has also produced a short film showing a number of principles which they believe decision makers should think about when they are seeking the views of children and young people with disabilities.

• Our Voices: Our Rules - a film made by pupils from West Lancashire Community High School

Lancashire Participation Network brings together professionals from services and organisations across Lancashire to support the implementation of the Active Participation Strategy.  The network is a sub group of the Contribute and Engage Priority Group.