Youth Council Meeting Update – 25th February

This week’s Youth Council meeting was full of exciting ideas, community projects and big plans for the months ahead.

National Year of Reading – Let’s Get Droitwich Reading

We were joined by Leonie and Gemma from Wychavon District Council, who shared some excellent opportunities linked to the National Year of Reading.

Gemma, a Place Projects Officer working to improve Droitwich Spa, spoke about the work currently happening in town:

• A Reading Pledge for local businesses. Shops and businesses can sign up to create welcoming reading spaces where people can visit and enjoy a book.

• The library will provide books for businesses who take part in the pledge.

• Creative workshops, including the possibility of creating a large collaborative art wall hanging to display in the library and running a poetry competition.

Youth Council members shared their own ideas for the types of craft workshops they would like to see. There was plenty of creativity and thoughtful discussion.

Reading-Themed Window Trail

There are also plans to create a reading-themed window trail across the town. We were able to share our ideas for this and may even have the opportunity to be involved in designing the windows and supporting the artist with the final designs. More information will follow as plans develop.

Promoting Reading in School and the Community

We discussed what else we could do within school and across the wider community to promote reading. A range of suggestions were shared, and it is clear that reading will be a strong focus for us this year.

The Big Walk and Wheel Initiative

Joe, Carbon Reduction Officer from Wychavon District Council, also spoke to us about The Big Walk and Wheel.

This national initiative encourages schools to promote active travel, including walking, wheeling or cycling to school. The aim is to get as many schools as possible signed up to take part.

The challenge begins in March, and schools can register now. It sounds like a fantastic opportunity to encourage healthy habits while helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Thank you to our visitors for sharing these opportunities with us and to all Youth Council members for their enthusiasm and thoughtful contributions. We look forward to being involved in these exciting projects.

Droitwich Youth Council Meeting

On Friday (7th November), Mrs Page went to the Droitwich Youth Council meeting with Elsie (Head Girl) and George (Head Boy). The meeting was held at Droitwich Spa High School, and children from other local schools came too. Everyone shared ideas about how we can help our community and get involved in upcoming events.

The first thing we talked about was the Droitwich Food Bank. Sue Jenkins came to tell us about the amazing work they do to help families who need extra support. The food bank helps around 50 people every week, and about 4,000 people each year — and one third of them are children! They make up three-day food packages for people who need them. We also heard about a lovely idea called the Reverse Advent Calendar, where instead of getting something each day, you give something — like a tin or a treat — to help others at Christmas time.

Next, we heard all about Edward Winslow Day. This special event celebrates friendship, kindness, peace and thanks. This year it will last for three days instead of just one! There will be a church service on 27th November at 6pm, and Westacre will be singing as part of it. There will also be music all day (10am–4pm) at St Andrew’s Shopping Centre and a themed market in Victoria Square. People can also bring donations for the Food Bank or toys for the Salvation Army to help those in need.

It was a really interesting meeting, and Elsie and George enjoyed hearing about all the exciting things happening in Droitwich — especially how schools can get involved and make a difference!

Youth Council Update: Thoughtful Letters Across Generations

We had the pleasure of hosting the latest Youth Council meeting here at school — a truly inspiring session that focused on kindness, communication, and community.

Our Youth Council welcomed a special guest: Donna from Ruby Tuesday. Donna shared her story of starting a letter-writing group during the Covid pandemic, showing how small gestures can have a lasting impact. She also took us on a journey through the history of letter writing — from Roland Hill, the inventor of the Penny Black stamp in 1840, to Royal Mail’s Victory and Valour stamps commemorating VE Day. We even had the opportunity to look at postcards over 100 years old!

Inspired by Donna’s talk, the Youth Council wrote thoughtful letters and created artwork for residents at Woodland View Care Home, spreading joy and connection across generations. We also learned about From Me to You, a charity that encourages letter writing to those who are unwell or living with dementia — showing how just a few kind words can brighten someone’s day.

To make the experience even more memorable, Donna wrote a personal letter to each pupil to take home — a touching gesture that reminded us all of the power of putting pen to paper.

We’re incredibly proud of our Youth Council and the care they showed through this project. 

Droitwich's Youth Council has started up again for this year!

It was great to get together again with other schools in Droitwich. Head Boy Harry, Head Girl Sophie, Liliana and Kezia (previous members in their first school) were the representatives from Westacre. 

The meeting agenda can be seen in the photos above, but the main topic of conversation was Edward Winslow Day. This is a new event in Droitwich taking place on the 28th November, which coincides with Thanksgiving Day in America. Winslow, who was born in Droitwich, is known as one of the Pilgram Father's, whose expeditions led him to America. He promoted 'Friendship, thanks, diplomacy and peace.'

The Youth Council discussed how schools can get involved and more information on this is being shared in due course. 

Youth Council Meeting - 21.06.24

Another brilliant Youth Council meeting. This week, the children were giving their speeches to be voted in for Chair, Secretary and treasurer! A HUGE well done to Isabelle who was elected as the Chair for the Droitwich Youth Council. Westacre are incredibly proud of her. She will continue this role as she moves up to the high school. Also a special mention to Kezia, who’s joining us in September, who was elected as the treasurer. 
Also at this meeting, we had our voices heard about the piece of art that will be installed on The Talbot. We can’t wait to see the final result next year.

Laila and Henry were chosen to represent Westacre at the Droitwich Youth Council. It's a group that is relaunching (post pandemic) and everyone is excited to be part of it. Children from many schools across Droitwich were there to give their views on what they would like to happen to improve the area. We're looking forward to meeting again next month, to get the first project underway. Pictured below is Laila and Henry with the special guests: Richard Morris, Sgt Atkinson and the Mayor.