History

A youth forum in North Lincolnshire was reformed in April 2006 following a meeting of a large group of young people in the Kingsway Centre the previous month.

Following a decision made by young people at their first meeting,

“X-PRESS” was formed. It was felt at the meeting that all young people should have the opportunity to have their voice heard within the authority, but initially X-PRESS would focus on all young people in the 11-19 age range until it had become firmly established.

Deciding on four weekly, evening meetings, the young people in X-PRESS began to establish themselves and looked at some of the issues and developments in N. Lincs. The process of establishing working relationships with the head of Children’s Services, Council member for young people and the work of the Scrutiny panel began.

A residential in Keswick was arranged in October 2006 where the focus was on the future developments for X-PRESS. This included a decision to hold elections to the 5 key roles which had been identified. A program of developments was established and was to be the focus of work for the weeks ahead.

The elections were held in December 2006 with the posts being contested at a packed meeting. Following this quickly with voting on the new logo and strap line

“Make your voice heard….Make a difference!”

The forum has become established as a gateway to the Youth Opportunity and Capital Funds. Young people can sit on the Funding Panel and are given training to become a member of the group that makes the decisions on grants.

 Most Youth Centres are now equiped with Internet access and a computer which more young people can use to see what X-PRESS is doing and how to get involved themselves