What is the Annual Conversation?
The Annual Conversation follows on from the work done for the G7, which came to Cornwall in June 2021. This gave children and young people the opportunity to share their ideas on the future of Cornwall. With thousands of young people taking part in the G7, the Council pledged to keep the conversation going as part of their commitment to recognising the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; particularly their rights:
- to be informed
- to be heard, and
- have their views taken seriously
Why the Annual Conversation is Important
Children and Young People:
- What you have to say matters. You have the right to be heard and to be involved in decisions made about your life
- Getting involved gives you power as well as being likely to improve:
- self confidence
- wellbeing
- your connection with other people and your community
- What you have to say can influence what decisions are made about lots of areas of your life now and in the future. These areas include:
- education
- housing
- jobs
- the environment
Adults:
- To enable children and young people to have the best life chances, to learn skills, develop their knowledge and feel heard and involved
- To learn from children, understand their perspectives and why they feel that way
- To support children and young people to realise their values, passion and voice matters
- Adults have a duty to listen to children, take their views seriously and involve them in decision making
Annual Conversation 2024
The most recent Annual Conversation took place on Thursday 25 April 2024.
The event was attended by 123 people, including:
- Ambassadors from Annual Conversation 2022
- Councillors and Council Officers
- Children and young people together with supporting organisations
- Partners
- Cornwall Youth Council
What happened at The Annual Conversation 2024?
Children, young people and organisations came together to share and celebrate their work in a marketplace.
Celebrations and successes were shared from the Annual Conversation 2022 pledge groups.
The attendees split into six groups to look at some of the topics that are important to children and young people. The priority topics for this year’s conversation were:
- Smoking and Vaping - marketing, availability and perceptions
- Feeling safe in our communities - particularly in the dark
- Cost of Living – free school meals in schools
- Emotional Health and Wellbeing – training for adults and young people
- Being heard, valued and taken seriously by people who are there to protect me and keep me safe
- Transition – particularly between primary school and secondary school – young people’s experience
View what happened at the Annual Conversation 2024
How to get involved
Visit our Annual Conversation Let's Talk Platform
If you are an organisation who would like to be involved in this year's Annual Conversation, and haven't heard from us already, please get in touch by emailing childrensrights@cornwall.gov.uk
If you are young person wanting to be involved in making a difference in Cornwall, please visit Cornwall Youth Council's engagement platform.
To get involved in Cornwall Youth Council please email:
youthcouncil@cornwall.gov.uk
