A new forum is being set up to give young people in the district a say about the issues that are important to them.

An event for 11 to 19-year-olds will take place in Saltaire, organised jointly by voluntary group Young Lives Bradford and Bradford Council’s youth service in partnership with Barnardo’s and other agencies.

The day will focus on how young people can shape and run an organisation that gives them a voice on issues that affect them. The initiative is currently called the Youth Voice Vehicle but it will be down to young people to decide on the nature of the body and what it is called.

Participative drama sessions, run by the Manchester Playback Theatre Company, as well as collaborative art projects will be used as exciting ways of exploring the topic. It aims to build on the successful work of the Bradford and Keighley Youth Parliament, and the work of the new organisation will contribute to the United Kingdom Youth Parliament.

Maryam Ahmed, young person’s representative, said: “This will be a really exciting day, and it will be great to meet with other young people to share our ideas. I know from my experience that if something affects you, you need somewhere where you can speak out and make your voice count.”

Councillor Ralph Berry, the Council’s portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “Young people are our future, and it’s important they are able to voice concerns about issues.”

Kerr Kennedy, of Young Lives Bradford, and Bradford Children’s Trust’s lead on young people’s participation, said: “We want to empower young people so they can shape the services provided for them.”

The event takes place on Saturday, February 16, at Victoria Hall in Saltaire from 11.30am to 4.30pm.