Basic History
sponsored bike ride
We formed our youth council to improve facilities for young people, starting with creating an insurable BMX track and youth shelter.
We started with 18 young people who made up Aldbourne Youth Council
Where we’re based… Aldbourne, Wiltshire
When we started… January 2005 - 6
How we started…
We wanted to do something about the lack of facilities for young people in our rural location. We found adult support for our dirt jump ideas through our youth club and a Parish Councillor. We formed a youth group to progress our plans to create an area with insurable BMX jumps.
Our work in the beginning…
To win backing from the parish council, we did thorough research into BMX jumps that met insurance criteria, found a qualified track builder and raised funds to build the track on a piece of vacant village land. We did this through a sponsored bike ride and other activities that raised £2540.00 from villagers who sponsored us, gave donations or came to our fundraising events. We also applied for grants. In the meantime the Parish Council gave us a loan to build the track. Following on from this we formed our Youth Council that is now an award winning registered charity!
Click here to see a list of all the awards we have won since forming!
We started with 18 young people who made up Aldbourne Youth Council
Where we’re based… Aldbourne, Wiltshire
When we started… January 2005 - 6
How we started…
We wanted to do something about the lack of facilities for young people in our rural location. We found adult support for our dirt jump ideas through our youth club and a Parish Councillor. We formed a youth group to progress our plans to create an area with insurable BMX jumps.
Our work in the beginning…
To win backing from the parish council, we did thorough research into BMX jumps that met insurance criteria, found a qualified track builder and raised funds to build the track on a piece of vacant village land. We did this through a sponsored bike ride and other activities that raised £2540.00 from villagers who sponsored us, gave donations or came to our fundraising events. We also applied for grants. In the meantime the Parish Council gave us a loan to build the track. Following on from this we formed our Youth Council that is now an award winning registered charity!
Click here to see a list of all the awards we have won since forming!
Here is some of our basic history! We have had many projects since we began. The older projects web pages have had their public links removed. These pages are still available to view.
Click here to read about Aldbourne BMX!
Click here to read about Aldbourne CAN!
Click here to read about Aldbourne BMX!
Click here to read about Aldbourne CAN!
| community_junction_vision.pdf |
| 2012_brochure.pdf |
FAQ's
When and where are the meetings and who can attend?
All young people are welcome to attend youth council meetings which are the first Tuesday of every month at Community Junction. They can come along to share their views about village life, plan activities and outings with support from Trustees and to help come up with fund raising ideas. There are also more opportunities to get involved with managing the charity itself and business activities at the Junction.
Who is your youth worker and when do they work?
We have several youth workers. Ben Harris, Joe Beattie and Liam Keen are Community Junction youth workers. They run regular sessions at the Community Junction
How can I get in contact with Aldbourne Youth Council?
Community Junction has a post box where any messages can be left. You can also click on 'Contact Us' to find out more details of how to get in touch with us.
What does Aldbourne Youth Council do in the community?
Aldbourne Youth Council offers young people a recognised official voice within the community of Aldbourne and surrounding villages and is very highly thought of at Wiltshire Council for the good work that has already been achieved and continues to be done.
We help keep the village tidy and get involved in community events. We also raise funds to go towards youth council projects. Now we have the Junction as a base there are lots of other things like 'No Worry' activities and we help to teach people how to use the computers. There are opportunities to gain work experience running the second hand shop, holiday let and tuck shop.
How was the youth council formed?
We held many events to raise money for a BMX track and youth shelter in the village. After the success of the project, we began forming the youth council, and continued having meetings every month to talk about village issues and the youth's ideas for the future of Aldbourne.
Is there a youth and adult committee?
Yes, the youth committee is made up of young people aged 8 - 18. They make all the decisions and the adult (trustee) committee oversee's this to make sure that what the young people are doing is legal and sensible.There is a chairman, vice chairman, secretary and treasurer of both committees.
Click here to find out more about the youth council members.
How are the trustees chosen?
Prospective Trustees willing to support the Young People put their names forward at the AGM and are elected by the Young People themselves!
Do I have to be a trustee to help out?
No, you are very welcome to come along to meetings at any time or chat to current trustees to find out how you could get more involved and help out. Over 30 adults volunteer their time at Community Junction rather than become a trustee.
What connection does the youth council have with the parish council?
The Parish Council welcome our input at their monthly meetings. We can give a report at the public participation part of the meeting.
Is Aldbourne Youth Council a registered charity?
AYC is a registered charity and was the first youth council in the country to gain charity status! We are also VAT registered and governed by a constitution that was written by the young people themselves back in 2006 with support from Community First and adult trustees at that time. In 2017 we became a CIO
Is the youth council affiliated to Youth Action Wiltshire?
We are affiliated by way of an annual membership fee so young people in Aldbourne can also access the activities and events that are organised by them. See the Youth Action Wiltshire Website or pop in and See the youth notice board for more information.
Can young people take part in National Award Schemes through AYC?
Currently we are able to support young people with their volunteering to achieve e.g. D of E. We also award certificates for number of hours voluntary work completed. These can be useful evidence for CV's when looking for work.
All young people are welcome to attend youth council meetings which are the first Tuesday of every month at Community Junction. They can come along to share their views about village life, plan activities and outings with support from Trustees and to help come up with fund raising ideas. There are also more opportunities to get involved with managing the charity itself and business activities at the Junction.
Who is your youth worker and when do they work?
We have several youth workers. Ben Harris, Joe Beattie and Liam Keen are Community Junction youth workers. They run regular sessions at the Community Junction
How can I get in contact with Aldbourne Youth Council?
Community Junction has a post box where any messages can be left. You can also click on 'Contact Us' to find out more details of how to get in touch with us.
What does Aldbourne Youth Council do in the community?
Aldbourne Youth Council offers young people a recognised official voice within the community of Aldbourne and surrounding villages and is very highly thought of at Wiltshire Council for the good work that has already been achieved and continues to be done.
We help keep the village tidy and get involved in community events. We also raise funds to go towards youth council projects. Now we have the Junction as a base there are lots of other things like 'No Worry' activities and we help to teach people how to use the computers. There are opportunities to gain work experience running the second hand shop, holiday let and tuck shop.
How was the youth council formed?
We held many events to raise money for a BMX track and youth shelter in the village. After the success of the project, we began forming the youth council, and continued having meetings every month to talk about village issues and the youth's ideas for the future of Aldbourne.
Is there a youth and adult committee?
Yes, the youth committee is made up of young people aged 8 - 18. They make all the decisions and the adult (trustee) committee oversee's this to make sure that what the young people are doing is legal and sensible.There is a chairman, vice chairman, secretary and treasurer of both committees.
Click here to find out more about the youth council members.
How are the trustees chosen?
Prospective Trustees willing to support the Young People put their names forward at the AGM and are elected by the Young People themselves!
Do I have to be a trustee to help out?
No, you are very welcome to come along to meetings at any time or chat to current trustees to find out how you could get more involved and help out. Over 30 adults volunteer their time at Community Junction rather than become a trustee.
What connection does the youth council have with the parish council?
The Parish Council welcome our input at their monthly meetings. We can give a report at the public participation part of the meeting.
Is Aldbourne Youth Council a registered charity?
AYC is a registered charity and was the first youth council in the country to gain charity status! We are also VAT registered and governed by a constitution that was written by the young people themselves back in 2006 with support from Community First and adult trustees at that time. In 2017 we became a CIO
Is the youth council affiliated to Youth Action Wiltshire?
We are affiliated by way of an annual membership fee so young people in Aldbourne can also access the activities and events that are organised by them. See the Youth Action Wiltshire Website or pop in and See the youth notice board for more information.
Can young people take part in National Award Schemes through AYC?
Currently we are able to support young people with their volunteering to achieve e.g. D of E. We also award certificates for number of hours voluntary work completed. These can be useful evidence for CV's when looking for work.
Important notice:
Young people who have chosen to make a difference by association or membership to the Youth Council should not be treated any differently to any other young person and up until the age of 18 are the responsilbity of their parents/legal guardians. Outside meeting time or organised activities, young people are not necessarily representing the AYC.
Young people who have chosen to make a difference by association or membership to the Youth Council should not be treated any differently to any other young person and up until the age of 18 are the responsilbity of their parents/legal guardians. Outside meeting time or organised activities, young people are not necessarily representing the AYC.
