Locala in drive for new young members in Kirklees

A social enterprise has welcomed several new members to boost its ever-growing Young People's Network in Kirklees.- and is on the lookout for more.

Inspired by the new recruits, Locala Community Partnerships is on the hunt for more like-minded young people in the area to give invaluable input into how best to improve their services.

The Young People’s Network has been running for just over a year and currently has over 80 volunteer members aged between 11 and 21.

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As well as creating a difference to local services, becoming part of Locala’s Young People’s Network offers young members valuable workplace experience across a range of sectors which have benefited those progressing into the workplace.

Martha Briggs, from Heckmondwike, is a member of the Young People’s Network.

She said: “I saw the Young People’s Network on the internet and immediately got involved.

“Since then, I have been involved in a number of projects that the network has allowed me to access.

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“Most recently, it was the 0-19 years community healthcare bid which is still being written at present.

“I’ve attended numerous meetings aimed at gathering the opinions of young people and have also had the opportunity to speak to some other healthcare professionals who will be involved in delivering services.”

Martha, 17, says that she would thoroughly encourage fellow young people to join Locala.

She added: “Locala has been welcoming of me and other young people I’ve met in a way that seems very rare for a healthcare organisation; everything is very clear and organised on their website and I have never felt unsupported or “out of the loop” as it were.

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“I have had other experiences of volunteering and work experience in other organisations, and none have been as good an experience as that which I’ve had at Locala.’”

Locala wants to build on an increasingly successful area of the services they offer.

Emma Boyes, Locala’s Youth Engagement Co-ordinator, said: “The opinions and hands-on help that the Young People’s Network offers to Locala as a whole has been invaluable.

“We are extremely driven to improve all aspects of the services we offer and young people are instrumental in delivering changes and driving awareness.

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“As well as helping us improve our services, the Network is a brilliant way for young people in the area to gain experience in all aspects of health care and the voluntary sector.

“Many are going on to develop their careers within healthcare and we couldn’t be more proud.”

To find out more about Locala and to enquire about joining as a volunteer, visit bit.ly/2dy6ZRx.

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