Barnet launched its Child Participation and Family Involvement Strategy called 'My Say Matters' in May 2022 at an event designed and delivered by young people.
At the event children and young people and adults from across Barnet’s multi-agency partnership made the following pledges to make sure “My Say Matters”:
I pledge to have young people’s voices in the council chamber this year.
It matters that we listen to you and hear what you are saying. It matters that we act on what you tell us. It matters that we make decisions for you individually and collaboratively, together. It matters that we think with you. Starting today and tomorrow and next year, it matters.
Be open and honest with young people about what is possible and where we will struggle to make something a reality. It all matters because you matter to us. We want to support you to feel happy, loved and cared for too. Your say matters, help me do a better job.
Creating a culture that listens, values and acts upon young people’s views
MY SAY MATTERS: A pledge to listen to young people, to hear their thoughts, needs and wishes. And to act respectfully and engage in change.
The full, effective, meaningful, direct, and representative participation of young people of all levels and decision-making within council procedure and structure; meant accountability, transparency, governance, resourcing, and capacity building. Nothing about young people without young people participating.
I pledge my best to act on the feedback young people give to me. If I cannot do this, I will ensure the requests go to the right person, so that values are given to what our young people are saying and we’re not expecting them to repeat themselves.
Support schools to prioritise listening to what young people, care about what they are saying and act on it.
Social Life matters – Nicholas Agboder
I pledge to include feedback and insight from Barnet’s children and young people in all strategies I am involved in writing.
It has been a great experience on how (youth) developers matter.
My greatest privilege is to be able to work with children and young people. MY SAY MATTERS reminds me to really listen, work alongside and act with young people in everything we do.
Be more approachable and younger people will take part.
My Say Matters means a lot to me because I believe that young people’s voices should be heard as they are the next generation. Deetyd Pardasdni
I believe my say matters represents hope and courage for the people, and for people’s lives, we are participating together.
Fantastic presentation and work being done for young people in Barnet!! Young people’s voices are so important, and these opportunities provide a platform. Onwards and Upwards will continue to promote and support “My Say Matters”.
The main part of my youth parliament manifesto was to listen to a wide range of young people, and we are now a leap forward in achieving that. I would like to help with; Reaching out to young people rather than them approaching staff, encouraging many different parts of the council to take part, and making sure this is sustainable.
We at the virtual school pledge to listen to the voices of our young people and effect change to better support all young children and adults to reach their education goals.
If young people were listened to, they would be more confident regardless of what they have been through.
As practitioners. We need to trust young people. Listen and they will speak. Act and they will see and be changed.
It means that what I think is important. I’d like you to listen and act
We pledge to stop asking the same question readily and listen to what you have told us. We pledge to act on what you say and be honest with the things that can’t be changed!
My say matters is important to me because it is a safe place for young people, and some people might share the same problem as you do so if you are shy, you can do it with other people – Elysse