Young people of Brighton and Hove met on 31 July 2008 to have their voices heard by local authority decision makers.
In a day of participation and engagement, young people expressed their views on involvement and opportunities for young people, universally agreeing with the statement: "If they don't listen to us, they will never get it right".
Graffiti posters were used to show the concerns of young people, highlighting particular concern for neighbourhood safety, job and training opportunities and their inability to have their voices heard.
Di Smith, Brighton and Hove's director of children and young people's services, spoke of the young people's eloquence; the significance of the discussion she had with them; and of her desire for "substance" and a plan of action to emerge from the day.
The young people agreed their participation priorities, then worked with managers to agree a plan of action, with tasks delegated and timeframes agreed.
