WAVENEY District Council is hosting a diverse range of events as part of Local Democracy Week to raise awareness of local government and encourage people to get involved in their community.

WAVENEY District Council is hosting a diverse range of events as part of Local Democracy Week to raise awareness of local government and encourage people to get involved in their community.

Local Democracy Week runs from 12 to 18 October 2009 and is part of the Local Democracy Campaign, which aims to get people more involved with, and increase awareness of the organisations and services in Waveney that are working hard to change our communities for the better.

The events will include a “youth question time,” at Kirkley High's Benjamin Britten Hall, and a “get involved” fair, at the Town Hall in Lowestoft, both on Thursday October 15.

The fair takes place between 10.30am and 4pm in the Council Chamber, and is a special event for those interested in getting involved in their local community.

Visitors can find out about a wide range of roles including becoming a magistrate, a school governor, a district, town or parish councillor, or a volunteer such as a first responder.

The “youth question time,” chaired by Rachel Sloane of BBC Radio Suffolk, will take place from 6pm until 8pm at Kirkley High School's Benjamin Britten Hall.

Open to all young people living, working and in education in the District, it takes the format of the popular television show and aims to give 11 to 18 year olds in Waveney the opportunity to put their questions to a panel of local politicians, and representatives from the Police among others.

If you would like to attend and submit a question text 'YQT' plus your name, contact number and your question (if you have one) to 0779 787 1011.

Alternatively, email the same details to questions@waveney.gov.uk. For more information about the event please contact Lorraine Light on 01502 523 340.

Local Democracy Week will conclude on Friday October 16 when Waveney's Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) launches its draft Sustainable Community Strategy at its annual event.

It will also be hosting a number of workshops, where people can take part in the discussions on important local issues and partner organisations will be hosting 'market stalls' showcasing service information.

The day's programme and topics for discussion are in the process of being finalised and a schedule, plus details of how you can book your place will be published shortly.

For more information on Local Democracy Week, visit www.waveney.gov.uk and follow the link from the homepage.