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Yarmouth MP launches new Youth Forum
 Great Yarmouth MP Tony Wright helped to launch the new Youth Forum on Saturday evening which has been set up to bring together churches and other organisations involved with youth work. Its the idea of Unite, the East Norfolk Youth for Christ branch, and its trustees who were keen to foster greater co-operation with regular meetings. Its hoped these will take place three times a year
The launch supper, at Great Yarmouth College, was attended by over 30 people who heard the MP stress how challenging life could be for young people. He said it was important to listen to them and treat them as equals so they could feel they had something to contribute to society. He also advocated reducing the voting age to 16 and welcomed the emergence of younger candidates for elections. Tony Wright said he welcomed anything which would help provide more of a "one stop shop" for young people. Craig Millward, the chairman of Unite and Ormesby Light of Life minister, said so much more could be achieved when people and churches worked together, especially in the field of young people's work
 Matt Gooch, the director of Unite, outlined the work the organisation is undertaking since it was set up two years ago. From its base in the centre of Yarmouth it has already been able to create a number of church based youth clubs, including a new one which has just opened in Gorleston. Other big events, including concerts, have also been staged
Biddy Collier, the director of Pregnancy Crisis, spoke about their work with young people, especially going into schools to offer advice. Mary Gilbert from the YMCA in Yarmouth explained the scope of their work which includes the supported lodging scheme which is helping provide many teenagers with a stable home life. The organisation also has a number of schools workers. Norman Pierpoint, the Yarmouth College chaplain, outlined what the chaplaincy is able to do. College catering students helped to prepare the meal which was hosted by Tony Mallion, chairman of Churches Together in Gorleston. It is hoped the next meting will be held in June
report from Tony Mallion
 
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