Consultation and participation work is delivered to children aged between  five and thirteen years throughout Cheshire, with the main focus on Macclesfield, Crewe and Vale Royal.

The work engages children and young people in project work over a period of time, usually 3 months. The projects are child led, which mean the children identify the topics covered and we endeavour to highlight and tackle issues that children face in the area through different means. Children are engaged through discussions, games, role play, drama, art work plus other mediums.

Children are encouraged to be pro-active in their communities and offer ideas and opinions of change that they would like to see happen. At the end of the project the work is showcased to local dignitaries, other appropriate people and organisations through a celebration event. It is here that children have the opportunity to view their opinions and discuss ideas with people that can influence change.

Some topics and issues that have been identified by children are parks and play space, roaming dogs, bullying, vandalism, drug misuse, nothing to do. Other successful projects have been ‘creating links and relationships in the community’, BMX project, Inclusive participation through accreditation to Travellers plus many more.

Over the past four years we have worked with over 400 children and young people delivering this type of work and offering different opportunities to the groups. Other innovative programmes and projects have been

• Children evaluators
• Children interviewers
• Children and young people environmental group
• Children focus groups

Children are encouraged and supported to participate in regional and national panels such as DCFS and the Children’s Bureau as North West representatives.

Most children achieve Youth Challenge accreditation or similar whilst working on projects.

The work is achieved by a multi agency approach and sustainable partnerships developed.