Young People Give Council Their Views At Touch Of A Button

A new series of electronic panels were used to consult children and young people on the Island on the issues they thought were important to them. Their views were included as the focus for the Isle of Wight Children and Young People’s Plan.

The panels toured local communities so that children and young people could have their say about what is important to them. Children’s Centres, Extended Schools, youth clubs, fast food outlets and arcades were just some of the places children and young people suggested where these panels were placed.

The Talkback Panels have been introduced as one of the new and innovative ways the council and partners are consulting with the public. The panels can be programmed to record responses on any subject and can be located anywhere on the Island. The data collected is downloaded remotely using wireless technology and a computer generated report is then emailed to the project co-ordinator.

The panels have also been used successfully at the Big Day Out in 2005 and 2006, and for the council budget consultation. The panels are one of the ways the council checks that they are achieving the goals set for them by the public.

Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Learning, Councillor Patrick Joyce said: “Using the Talkback Panels for the Children and Young People’s Plan is a great example of how we involve children and young people in shaping the future of their Island. The Isle of Wight is earning a national reputation in how well we involve children and young people. The Wight2BHeard Conferences, the Big Day Out, Extended Schools, Early Years and Children’s Centres, Draw and Write with Healthy Schools and the work of Connexions and the Youth Service are just a few other examples.”