Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Barr, has issued an open invitation to young people across the Council area to join her for a series of social events in the Guildhall.
The Our Guildhall Our Space events will feature live music, food and craic and are part of her initiative to reach out to young people, learn more about what matters to them and make them feel welcome in Council buildings.
A total of five social events will take place on Friday nights between October 2024 and May 2025 and young people from every corner of the Derry and Strabane District are invited to attend.
“I want to reach out to each and every young person across the City and District this year, to open the doors of the Guildhall to them, connect with them and let their voices be heard,” said Mayor Barr at this week’s launch in the Guildhall.
“That is why I’m issuing an open invitation to young people aged 12-20 years of age to come and join me for an evening of music, dance and fun here in the Guildhall.
“I want to learn more about what is important to them and for them to see that this Council is here to meet their needs and protect their rights.
“But most importantly I want them to come along, feel welcome in the Guildhall and have a night to remember.
“I look forward to working with youth organisations across the district to reach as many young people as possible”
The date for the five social events are; Friday October 11th 2024, the 10th and 31st January 2025, March 14th 2025 and May 9th 2025.
After conversations with youth representatives to hear the voice of young people, the Mayor will split the nights into two sessions for different age groups with 12 to 15-year-olds attending from 6pm to 7.30pm and 16 to 20-years-olds from 8.30pm to 11pm.
Sign up can take place as an individual or as a group through an existing youth organisation.
Young person Cara who was involved in the planning of the events said young people would welcome the chance to connect with the Mayor in a social setting.
“I think it’s really important for young people to get involved in local politics and these social events are the perfect way to do it,” she said. “This initiative will be a great way to make young people in the area, like myself, feel welcomed, appreciated and important in council decisions and provide a platform for us to voice our opinions while also having fun and meeting new people.”
Admission to the Our Guildhall, Our Space is free and young people can register online on a first come, first served basis.
Live music will be by local bands and DJs chosen by young people, a hot food buffet will be provided to all attendees considering all dietary requirements and buses from Strabane and Castlederg will also be available.
The Our Guildhall, Our Space demonstrates the commitment that decision makers at all levels in the district are making to young people on the journey towards UNICEF UK Child Friendly Community Status.
To register and submit your consent form to attend visit www.derrystrabane.com/mayorshub
Tags: