Bedfordshire Youth United

Bedfordshire Youth United launch

An exciting new initiative for voluntary youth organisations in the county, Bedfordshire Youth United (BYU), was officially launched by HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, in a colourful gathering on 5 October held at Central Bedfordshire Council headquarters at Priory House, Chicksands.

The member organisations are: The Scouts, Girlguiding, St. John Ambulance, The Army Cadet Force, The Royal Marine Cadets & Sea Cadet Corps, The Boys' Brigade, The Girls' Brigade, Bedfordshire Police Cadets, Bedfordshire Fire Cadets and the Air Training Corps.

Displays from the organisations showcased their activities, and a large number of dignitaries and community leaders from across the county were able to learn more from the young people and their leaders about their organisations and activities.

The aim of the groups coming together in this new organisation is to allow a joint vision which will improve the opportunities available to for all young people in Bedfordshire in belonging to local groups. It will also co-ordinate joint activities and provide better communication between organisations and other stakeholders.

“We are also aiming to increase the number of adult volunteers supporting member organisations, increase the number of young people engaged in their communities, attract funding and make better use of resources” said the Chair of Bedfordshire Youth United, Colonel Chris Sharwood-Smith who is also Commandant of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force.

The Lord-Lieutenant is patron of the organisation, and speaking after the launch, she said: “Bedfordshire Youth United is a fantastic new initiative. It will enable our young people to gain a better understanding of what is available to them in the county. It will promote all the different groups working together, but importantly will maintain their unique individual characteristics, which have been so successful over the years. Young people joining these groups learn important life and social skills and share the fun of being together with new friends. I am delighted to be patron of this wonderful new group."

View the photograph taken at the launch

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Bedfordshire Youth United - Article published in Luton Herald and Post - 2 November 2017

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