The Tamworth District Youth Forum (TDYF) is an opportunity for the young people of Tamworth to make important decisions about issues that affect them in and around Tamworth.
The TDYF meet on a Thursday evening from 5pm till 7pm on a fortnightly basis at Tamworth Youth Centre.
Each session is ended with food available which is FREE of charge.

TDYF are responsible for the funding and decision making of the Youth Opportunities Fund (Youthbank) bids. This is a "pot of money" that is given by the government for young people to apply for to fund the sort's of things that young people would like & want to do but perhaps have never had the chance to do. This may be things like Residential, Arts Projects DJ Workshops, or the funding of Projects which benefit other young people etc.
Each Young person involved in the decision making will receive a £5 gift voucher

Some members of the TDYF also participate in the Youth Action Kouncil (YAK). As representatives of YAK they help to encourage change which will benefit young people across county.
The TDYF regularly meet with the local councillors, MPs and other professionals from the county council who consult with them to gain an input which represents the views of young people locally. Some members of the TDYF also volunteer in their local Youth Centres which enables them the experience of working with a variety of people, and gaining skills for the future.
During 2009 the Tamworth District Youth Forum were involved in many things including; Consultations to do with ‘Building Schools for the Future’ where the young people were able to meet local councillors and express their views.
A team building residential in Shrewsbury at an outdoor education centre, where the young people were able to build confidence and try new things.
Being part of a ‘Young Peoples Panel’ to assist the appointment process of a new accreditation worker
A Consultation event with the local Tamworth Castle were young people were able to express their views and opinions.
So far in 2010 the Tamworth District Youth Forum have been involved in a Consultation with Tamworth Borough Council where they were able to express their views and opinions about Tamworth, and what improvements they thought could be made.

We are always looking to recruit new members.
If you are aged 13 to 19 and want a say about the youth matters in the Tamworth District then contact Natalee Gunn (Participation Worker) NOW!
or just come along to the next meeting.

NEXT MEETING

The TDYF intend to enter this Year's Tamworth Carnival
The following dates have been set to make preparations
Monday August 2nd 2010 - 11.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.
Wednesday 4th August 2010 - 11.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.
Wednesday 11th August 2010 - 11.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.

FUTURE DATES
Thursday 2nd September 2010 *
Thursday 16th September 2010
Thursday 30th September 2010
Thursday 14th October 2010*
Thursday14th October 2010
Thursday 28th October 2010
Thursday 11th November 2010
Thursday 25th November 2010
Thursday 25th November 2010
Thursday 9th December 2010
Thursday 13th January 2010*
Thursday 24th February 2010*
* Dates when Youthbank Bids will be considered
Future dates:
2nd September 2010
14th October 2010
13th January 2011
24th February 2011
Thursday 15th July 2010
Special Shadow Trust Board Event
at Tamworth Castle
(details tbc)
New members are always welcome

CURRENT ACTIVITIES
The Tamworth District Youth Forum are currently involved in arranging
a District Celebration Event and planning an Open Week-end to support the 2012 Olympics - this is a joint event with the local Sea Cadets.

Over recent weeks the group have considered local issues and how they can
influence them supported by Amy Beste (the District Apprentice)
She has supported the group in a variety of team building activities
and the promotion of Youth Forum activities.

A highlight of recent events was a Day Trip to Alton Towers - a reward for all the hard work that the group have put in - a great day was had by both the young people & supporting staff - the weather also remained fair.

Future meetings will offer activities to allow participants to consider equality & diversity, stress management, together with work around
health & safety & risk assessments