Young people ‘takeover’ Dorset Council 

Between 24 June and 5 July, the Takeover Challenge saw 28 young people ‘takeover’ some of the top roles and responsibilities at Dorset Council, and step into the shoes of key decision-makers. 

The Takeover Challenge is a national campaign that allows young people to experience the workplace, inform decisions and have their voices heard.  

Throughout the challenge, young people shared their thoughts on key campaigns and proposals and their feedback will go on to help shape the support that is available to Dorset’s children and families. 

The activities the young people undertook ranged from chairing key meetings, being part of the interview panel for the Youth Voice team, sitting on the Youth Grant Panel, and presenting at the Education conference and the Strategic Alliance conference to an audience of approximately 200 people. 

Their presentation at the conferences focused on health and wellbeing for young people. This is a topic of immense importance to young people in Dorset with it being voted for in the Make Your Mark campaign, that took place in Dorset’s schools earlier this year. 

The feedback from conference attendees was universally positive, with many expressing how impressive the young people had been and how beneficial it was to hear from them first-hand. 

Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help said; “Well done to all the young people who took part in the Takeover Challenge. We hugely appreciate your time and input. By sharing your voices and experiences with us, you are directly helping to inform and shape our services to better meet the needs of young people and families. Thank you to all who took part.” 

To find out more about the Takeover Challenge and other activities and events that Dorset’s young people can get involved in, visit our website, contact Dorset Council’s Youth Voice team (youthvoice@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk), or follow Dorset Council Youth on social media.