Transport minister and Hereford and South Herefordshire MP Jesse Norman attended the county’s first young person’s disability forum earlier this month.
The forum was organised by Cameron Wood from The Young Person’s Network and hosted by Herefordshire Council on September 7.
It gave young people between the ages of 14 and 25, with additional needs and disabilities, the chance to talk and ask questions about the issues that affect their lives.
The event was also attended by young people with disabilities, carers and representatives from Herefordshire Council, including cabinet member for children Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, Herefordshire National Autistic Society and the Wye Valley NHS Trust.
Cameron Wood said: “I was delighted with the number of young people that came along to the forum and joined in with the discussions and asked some really probing questions, ranging from access to activities and services to educational provision.
“I would like to thank Jesse Norman MP for taking the time to attend the forum and Herefordshire Council for hosting the event and all of the representatives from the council and the Herefordshire National Autistic Society who came along to answer questions.
“The themes of the discussions will be fed back within each organisation.
“We plan to hold annual forums which we hope will continue to give young people with disabilities the opportunity to discuss the issues that affect their daily lives with the people who can help to make a difference.”
Mr Norman thanked Cameron for his hard work in organising the forum and inviting him to join the conversation.
“I was really grateful for the opportunity to discuss these really important issues that affect young people living with disabilities and their families across the county.
“I hope that everyone who attended the forum found it useful. I certainly did.”
Councillor Swinglehurst, cabinet member for children and families said: “Well done to Cameron for arranging the forum on behalf of the Young Person’s Network.
“Hopefully the forums will become an important platform to help the county’s young people with disabilities to get their voices heard.”
Anyone aged between 16 and 18 years of age who is interested in getting involved with the Young Person’s Network project or would like to find out more, email ypnplead@outlook.com
