Image

Who are we?

Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum (BADYF) was started in 2001 by young people who wanted a platform to express their views on issues affecting their lives and communities. Young people aged 13-19 years (or 25 if you have a special educational need or disability) are elected by their peers in schools and youth groups across the borough to represent them on the Youth Forum.

What we do?

Members of the Youth Forum continue to have a positive impact in the borough and have tackled many issues including crime, health, education and youth facilities to name a few.

As a member of the forum, you will have the opportunity to question decision makers, visit the Houses of Parliament to not only have a tour of this historic building but to meet the MPs who represent our borough.

To nominate yourself to become the Young Mayor of Barking and Dagenham you must be a forum member. The role runs for a year and during that time you will attend lots of different public engagements……. you also get to wear the Young Mayors chains of office too!!

Our annual team building day at Stubbers Activity Centre is very popular and gives everyone the chance to experience new challenges, it’s always a fun day out enjoyed by all.  Members take part in various consultations during the year and as your time is precious you are given a voucher for every three consultations you attend. Forum members usually come to sessions directly from school, so we offer snacks and drinks to keep you going.

We often get asked what skills are needed to become a forum member and the answer is none.  If you are not confident and are worried about speaking in a group environment that’s fine, you can contribute when you want to……. there is no pressure! Our sessions are informal, relaxed and most importantly of all, fun!!!!

Want to see the Youth Forum in action?

How to get involved?

It’s easy, to be part of the Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum- you must live, work or be in education or training in Barking and Dagenham.

Nominations start from November and elections are held in January in all secondary schools across the borough and in Trinity school. If you do not go to school in Barking and Dagenham, call or text us to chat about how you can get involved- 07971111532.

BAD Youth Forum - Nomination Form 2023

So, what are you waiting for?????

Ask your teachers about the Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum elections in your school or get in contact with us to self-nominate!

07971 111 532

Sally.Allen-Clarke@lbbd.gov.uk

Annm.McDonnell@lbbd.gov.uk

Julie.Willett@lbbd.gov.uk