PUPILS from St Matthew’s Academy in Saltcoats were given their say on the workings of the local authority at a Joint Youth Cabinet held at the school last Tuesday.

The session which was part of a North Ayrshire Council cabinet members’ tour of schools in the area gave an opportunity for youngsters to take local policymakers to task and share lively discussions on topics that matter most to them.

With Police Scotland officers also present, conversations were raised by the pupils on bullying, mental health, equalities and safety issues. The discussion session was the latest in a series of joint meetings involving the Council’s Cabinet, senior officers, Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament and the Youth Council Executive.

Council Leader Willie Gibson, who chaired the joint session, said: “Once again this proved to be another fantastic meeting and demonstrates how useful this joint approach is. By working collaboratively with our young people we can realise and resolve some of the key issues they face."

During the meeting, a preview of a special short film was shown which has been developed, produced by and even starred young people from the area themselves. Entitled ‘Youth Work Changes Lives,’ the 15-minute feature film highlights the role of North Ayrshire’s Youth Services staff and the positive impact their work has on communities.

It is hoped that the film will be made more widely available later in the year and it will also be used as a promotional tool for the Council’s Youth Services Team.

Speaking of the enthusiasm received by the pupils of St Matthew’s, Councillor Gibson added: “It was great to see how engaged they all are with the issues affecting them. We were impressed with their knowledge and expertise when discussing some major subjects.

“We would like to thank all those who took part and shared their views. Some very interesting points were raised and these will be taken on board and explored further.”