More than 120 young people signed-up to take part in this year’s Takeover Day
More than 100 young people found out first hand how their local authority works during H&F Council's eighth annual Youth Takeover Day.
From learning what it takes to be a police officer, to getting to grips with the challenges facing the NHS, the event was a chance for local youngsters to gain insight into the world of work and learn new skills.
See all the pictures from the day on our Flickr photo gallery
Cllr Larry Culhane, H&F Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: “Over the last eight years, so many young people have benefited through Youth Takeover Day, and we are delighted to be able to share what is a learning experience for both the young person, and us as a local authority.
“This is all part of our H&F philosophy of doing things with people, and not to them; and along with our Youth Council, and UK Youth Parliament involvement, this is another way we are striving to get young people involved in everything we do.”
More than 120 young people signed-up to take part in this year’s Takeover Day, which is a national event led by the Children’s Commissioner for England, launched in 2007 to promote and encourage youth participation and involvement.
Youngsters aged 13-20 had the option of 21 different job roles to gain experience of during the event on 23 November.
Safer neighbourhoods teams, libraries, teachers, parks staff, police officers and communications staff were among local authority representatives who shared their daily roles with the young people.
Sasha Kolobov, 15, of Latymer Upper School, said: “I liked hearing people talk about the sectors I am interested in. It makes you feel more involved in the council to see how it works.”
Other schools and colleges involved included Hammersmith Academy, Fulham Cross Girls School, Fulham Boys School, Hammersmith and West London College, and London Oratory.
Mursal Mohammadi, 14, of Fulham Cross Girls School said the day had 'broadened my horizons'; while Richard Van Bogaert, 14, of Hammersmith Academy said 'it was awesome'.
Gabriel Wood, 14, of London Oratory explained his favourite part had been meeting two qualified doctors as part of the patient and public engagement group.
Meanwhile, Benedetta Marcello, 15, of Latymer Upper School, said: “There is a huge range of ages taking part, which means you can ask advice from other people who are interested in the same things as you.
“I also learned it is OK to make mistakes in your career.”
The day ended with a celebration event organised by a group of the Takeover Day participants, with all the young people involved getting a certificate presented by the Mayor, Cllr Daryl Brown.
Reporting by Hannah Mitchell, Sasha Watkins, Ismene Forsyth, Ewa Przysiecka, Ellie Lowe, Haala Farah, Rollo Montague, Richard Van Bogaert, Joshua Jochems Napditono, Georgina Smith.
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