YOUNG people are getting a taste of power through a new project that will give them the skills and confidence to get involved in decisions which affect them, reports Miranda Norris.

Having A Voice, Being Heard and Getting It Done, organised by Cumbria Youth Alliance, will help them strengthen their role in development of youth services and, ultimately, to establish their own youth councils in each of the six districts and for the county as a whole.

Twenty-four young people attended a training weekend at Brathay Hall, near Ambleside, where they explored concepts of participation, representation and leadership through outdoor activities and exercises such as setting up their own political groups.

After the weekend, they organised themselves into three groups called Voluntary Organisations in Cumbria Encourage Strength, Speech and Support (VOICES) for South Lakes and Barrow, Copeland and Allerdale, and Carlisle and Eden.

"It is very early days," said Peter Robertson, 17, of South Voices.

"The long-term aim is to give young people the chance to participate in the development of services by building confidence so they can go into meetings and not feel they are token members or not contribute.

"It also lets people who offer services find out at what level they can involve young people."

One issue he would like to see progressed is lack of facilities for youngsters; other Voices groups are looking at lack of public transport, creating meeting places and issues about rural isolation.

"This project bridges a gap between young people and service providers," said CYA project officer Una Murray.

"It aims to give young Cumbrians a chance to see what is available to them from the various providers, empower them with responsibility to set up their own projects and support them in establishing what projects they want."

The Alliance, a countywide network of youth organisations such as Clubs for Young People, Scouts, Guides, St John Ambulance and the Young Farmers, has already secured a commitment from Cumbria County Council to propose young people are given membership of the Joint Policy Advisory committees (JPACs), which discuss common issues between county, district and parish councils.

The JPACs inform the county's area committees, which have devolved budgets with particular responsibility for youth and are requested to put a standing item on youth on their agendas.

All young people, aged 15 to 25, are invited to participate in Having A Voice.

For details, contact Una on 015394-34971.