On Thursday evening the Youth Safety Task Force report was launched at St Luke’s Church, where the taskforce led by Kier Starmer MP and Cllr Abdul Hai reported back their findings and outlined the recommendations. The taskforce brought together ideas from schools, youth workers, bereaved families, public services and young people in a commitment to keep young people safe in Camden.

There are a range of key recommendations from the report that will include the work of our schools; one being the key transition for young people from primary to secondary school, secondly to enable schools, youth workers and other professionals who work with young people to develop trauma-informed practices, and finally provide additional support for students excluded, at-risk of exclusion or with poor attendance.

I think what was so powerful last night was the voice of the young people speaking so proudly about Camden the place. The voice and perspective of the young person must never be lost and it is poignant reminder to us all, that next week is Pupil Voice week (24th-28th September). Each year Pupil Voice Week focuses on a different theme, this year the organisers are celebrating the positive effects children and young people can have on the communities they are a part of when they feel empowered to speak-up and use their voices positively. The aim is to educate pupils about the benefits of using their voice, encouraging a long-term change of culture beyond the dates of the week. If you want more information google Pupil Voice week and a range of resources can be accessed.

Finally, on Tuesday (18th September) the Francis Crick Institute, played host to the STEAM launch where businesses and institutions were urged to sign up to the STEAM 21st Century Talent Pledge. Young people from UCL Academy, Regent High School and the Ted Baker Camden Challenge summer project helped sign up employers to the pledge and spoke to a packed lecture theatre of about 150 guests from schools, businesses, the council and local institutions. It was an excellent event to be a part of and from what I have heard since the launch, they have already generated interest from over 20 employers in Camden, creating a wealth of opportunities for our young people to take advantage of.

PS: Could I just encourage schools to complete the PE, sport and physical activity survey which was sent out last term. We have had just 19 responses and it would be great to get a few more in so we can get a more comprehensive picture to inform planning services and support. I understand the deadline has now been extended to Oct 1st and the link has been sent to PE leads. Thank you.

Jon Abbey

Managing Director, Camden Learning

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