Young people from across West Dunbartonshire were challenged to look forward to what they want for themselves and their communities in 10 years time at a special consultation event on the 26th April.

The 35 representatives from 10 local youth organisations met to share their views on how they would like their community to be developed over the coming decade.

The event was one of a series of consultations on the new Community Plan, which are being hosted by West Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership.

The Community Plan, which is out for consultation until May 23, is a vision of how services and communities can be best developed to improve the quality of life for everyone living and working in West Dunbartonshire.

The Youth Consultation in Strathclyde Homes Stadium in Dumbarton asked for feedback on the five main themes included in the Community Plan.

The teenagers were animated in their responses raising issues that affect all sectors of society.

Discussing the section on health Rachel Johnson, 17, from Clydebank said: “I would like to see workshops on what is a mental health problem so people are more aware of it and how to cope. I would also like to see more being done to deal with the stigma so people aren’t embarrassed to talk about it.”

Ashleigh MacGregor, 17, from Bellsmyre Youth Action Group, felt that the Vale Hospital was an important issue and not enough attention was being paid to the views of local people.

Using handheld digital voting pads 91% of participants said they felt it was important for young people to be involved in the consultation process.

Daniel McCormick, 13, from Dalmuir commented: “I think it’s good that we get to have a say because it’s about our future and it’s good that they are asking our opinion.”

His views were echoed by Ashleigh Clark, 16, from Bonhill. She said: “I think it is very helpful because we are the future generation and this will make a difference to us now and it is up to us to make a difference when we get older.”

Just a few of the other topics raised by the young people included measures to tackle homelessness, increasing drug, alcohol and sex education, providing relevant work placements, improving the housing estates and town centres and more recycling.

Phil White, WDCPP manager, said: “We were really keen to hear the views of young people because they are the ones who will be the stakeholders of the future and it is important that services are designed to meet their needs and aspirations.

“There were a lot of very valid points raised which we will look at incorporating in the final version of the Community Plan.”

The groups participating in the event were: - Clydebank and Vale of Leven Youth Forums, Dalmuir, Faifley, Whitecrook, Bonhill, Bellsmyre and Romany Youth Action Groups, West Dunbartonshire Youth Trust and Y Sort-It.

Copies of the Community Plan are available from WDCPP by calling 01389 742544  or from the following link Download Community Plan

Pictured with the handheld voting devices are Lynzy Semple, 13, from Clydebank and Jamie-Lee Mathieson, 14, from Haldane.