Fermanagh Youth Council hosted their first local Youth Conference at The Lakeland Forum earlier this month.

Some 64 young delegates from Enniskillen, Lisnaskea, Newtownbutler, Garrison, Irvinestown, Ballinamallard and numerous other areas of the County attended.

It represented a clear response to the Conference theme, "A voice for Young People – Who's listening?".

The guest speaker was Liam Curran, the deputy Head of Youth Service and the special guest was the Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Thomas O'Reilly. Both highlighted the importance placed upon good communication between adults and young people. They informed the Conference on how strategic developments within the education sector and local Councils were forging improved links with young people through participative structures, such as Youth Councils.

Both congratulated the Youth Council on their collaboration with senior Youth Worker, Richard O'Neill and Big Deal participation worker, Anna Bryant on putting together an extremely successful conference. A full report on the Conference will be produced in early 2009.