Youngsters to grill officials at political speed date in Craven Arms
Speed dating may not be terribly romantic, but it's certainly a good way to meet lots of people quickly – and hopefully make a lasting impression.
Now politicians will be hoping to do the same at two Political Speed Dating evenings hosted in south Shropshire.
The fast-paced events are for as many young people as possible to have some face-to-face time with local decision-makers – by applying the principles of speed dating.
With a time limit of three minutes on each table, people aged between 10 and 25 are being invited to make their feelings known and ask challenging questions of their short-lived "political dates" – who will include south Shropshire MP Philip Dunne as well as councillors, police, housing bosses, school governors and local business leaders.
The main event will be open to the public at Craven Arms Community Centre in Newington Way, Craven Arms, on February 18.
Before that, there will be a session at Lacon Childe School, Cleobury Mortimer, on Monday for the whole of Year 10.
Richard Morley, chief executive of the South Shropshire Youth Forum, said: "Young people have been hit hard in these times of austerity.
"Youth unemployment, lack of affordable housing, the cost of further education, cuts to services, transport costs; these are all issues of concern.
"Now it is the chance for young people to ask invited guests about what they know about these issues and what they can do to help address them."
The last time the youth forum ran the speed dating events was five years ago, said Mr Morley, but it did help shape local priorities at the time.
He said: "We are hoping that history will repeat itself, that people will start to listen to young people and the concerns they have.
"All too often young people lose out because they are an easy target – they have no voice."
At Craven Arms, there will be a briefing session at 6pm with the event itself starting at 7pm.
Tables will be set out for each of the invited "decision makers", and groups of young people will then have their three minutes on each table.
All the issues discussed will be recorded and used to inform local residents and organisations of the priorities for young people living in their area.
