New magazine to promote youth organisations and give young people a voice
Beccles youth champions Caroline Topping, Sam Kenward and Andrea Downes have been working to produce a magazine for the town's young people. Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
The first issue of a magazine designed to promote a town’s youth provision has been launched.
Sam Kenward says he is pleased with the first issue of the magazine and hopes it will be the first of many. Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
It is hoped that Beccles Youth Express will be a regular source of information where young people can find out about youth facilities and organisations in the area.
In addition, there is also a desire for the title to provide a platform for children and teenagers to put forward their views.
The idea for the production of a specialised magazine was devised by Beccles Town Council’s Youth Champion team, consisting of Sam Kenward, Caroline Topping and Andrea Downes.
The trio, who form a link between young people and the council, received financial support from Waveney District Council’s (WDC) enabling fund and have now put their planning into action.
The youth champions' role is to form a link between young people and the council. Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
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“We wanted to make sure we included a wide range of content for people to read and we’re really pleased with what we’ve been able to produce,” said Mr Kenward.
“There has been a really good take-up from organisations looking to get involved and some great recommendations from young people about what there is to do in Beccles and the surrounding area.
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“It’s important that youngsters are able to read the thoughts of people like them because it makes the material much more relatable.”
The new magazine was distributed to most schools in the latter half of March, giving students a point of reference to find things to do during the Easter holidays.
Beccles Youth Champions Andrea Downes, Sam Kenward and Caroline Topping. Picture: Nick Butcher. - Credit: Nick Butcher
Although Mr Kenward will be stepping down from his role as a youth champion in May to focus on other endeavours, he is delighted he was able to help deliver the magazine and is confident it can be a long-lasting asset to Beccles’ young people.
He said: “I’m very proud because it’s been in the pipeline for a while, so I’m really pleased we’ve made it happen this year.
“The key for young people is finding something that contains all the information they want in one place; I hope we’ve managed to do that.
“Looking ahead we’re aiming to produce a new issue every term. There are some great people on the town council who are keen to run with this idea and take it forward.”
