Youth Advisory Committee Launches Youth Survey: Have Your Say!
Ashington Town Council's Youth Advisory Committee is excited to announce the launch of our youth survey, designed to gather valuable insights from young people across Ashington. This initiative aims to ensure that the voices of our youth community are heard, and their needs are met through improved services and activities.
Your Opinion Matters
The new survey, titled "HAVE YOUR SAY! Ashington Youth Survey," invites young people to share their thoughts on living in Ashington, their favourite aspects of the town, activities they currently participate in, and what improvements they'd like to see.
"We're committed to making Ashington better for young people," said Civic Head, Cllr Caroline Ball, also Chair of the Youth Advisory Committee. "The feedback we receive directly shapes our planning and decision-making processes."
Previous Success Stories: Free Swim Sessions
One of the most successful initiatives to come from the Youth Advisory Committee is the introduction of free swim sessions at Ashington Leisure Centre, delivered in partnership with Places Leisure. These have been held during school holidays since summer 2024 and we are keen for them to continue.
These sessions were a direct response to feedback from young people at a Youth Forum event at Ashington Football Club. Young people expressed a desire for more activities during school holidays. The Town Council listened and funded this popular program, which continues to provide accessible swimming opportunities for local youth.
New Promotional Swim Video
We're thrilled to announce we have just finished the production of a new promotional video for the free swim sessions at Ashington Leisure Centre. The video showcases the facilities available and highlights the benefits of the programme, which offers 80 free swimming slots during the Easter holidays (specific dates are available).
The video encourages young people to "become the next generation of Olympian" and either learn to swim or take their skills to the next level, all while enjoying this free initiative funded by Ashington Town Council’s Youth Advisory Committee.
You can view the new promotional video here.
How to Get Involved
The youth survey is available now and can be completed by any young person who lives in, studies in, or regularly visits Ashington, or by an adult/carer on behalf of a young person. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and covers topics including:
- Your experiences living in or visiting Ashington
- Activities and groups you're currently involved with
- Ideas for improvements or additions to the town
- Interest in participating in decision-making processes
- Issues that matter most to you and your friends
Why Your Feedback Matters
Previous survey results have highlighted key areas of interest for young people in Ashington, including:
- Safety and security concerns
- Employment and training opportunities
- Enhanced recreational facilities
- Music and art festivals
- Sports tournaments
- Gaming and technology events
Your responses to this survey will help shape future initiatives and ensure that Ashington continues to develop services that meet the needs and interests of its young residents, with a particular emphasis on what the Town Council can do to deliver or facilitate.
Take the Survey Today
The survey is completely voluntary and includes a comprehensive privacy notice explaining how your information will be used and protected. If you're under 16 and wish to be contacted about future opportunities, parent/guardian details are required.
Don't miss this chance to have your say and make a real difference in your community!
Complete the survey by clicking on the link or scanning the QR code below:
https://forms.gle/GHwbRtPHN2Ctbi5N9
For more information about the Youth Advisory Committee or to request a paper copy of the survey, please contact Ashington Town Council on 01670 624521 or email: admin@ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk
