MP says Listen to young people

GREAT Yarmouth MP Tony Wright has helped to launch the area's new Youth Forum, saying he welcomes moves to provide a one-stop shop for young people.

The venture has been set up to bring together churches and other organisations involved with youth work.

It is the idea of Unite, the East Norfolk Youth for Christ branch, and its trustees.

They are keen to foster greater co-operation with regular meetings, which may take place three times a year.

The launch supper on Saturday at Great Yarmouth College was attended by more than 30 people, who heard the Mr Wright stress how chall-enging life could be for young people. He said it was impor-tant to listen to them and treat them as equals so they felt they had something to contribute to society. The MP also advocated reducing the voting age to 16 and welcomed the emergence of younger candidates at elections.

Craig Millward, chairman of Unite and Ormesby Light of Life minister, said so much more could be achieved when people and churches worked together, especially in the field of young people's work.

And Matt Gooch, director of Unite, outlined the work it had taken on since it was set up two years ago. From its base in the centre of Yarmouth it had already created a number of church- based youth clubs, including one that had just opened in Gorleston. Other events, including concerts, had also been staged.

Biddy Collier, director of Pregnancy Crisis, spoke about its work with young people, especially going into schools to offer advice. Meanwhile, Mary Gilbert, from the YMCA in Yarmouth, explained the scope of work that included the supported lodging scheme that has been helping to provide many teenagers with a stable home life.

Yarmouth College catering students helped to prepare the meal, hosted by Tony Mallion, chairman of Churches Together in Gorleston.

Next meeting may be in June.