The art work of around ninety Herefordshire children and young people goes on display to members of the public next month, as a three year plan detailing priorities for the county's children is launched.
Children of all ages, from nurseries to colleges, submitted artwork to the Council in a competition to illustrate the new Children and Young People's Plan. The plan has been put together by Herefordshire's Children's Trust and spells out the priority areas that services for children and young people need to concentrate on over the next three years
Some of the county's main priorities include improving the emotional health of children so that they do not become involved in risk-taking activities such as substance misuse including alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. Tackling obesity and dental decay in the county is also a key priority area.
The plan has been widely consulted upon and the final version is to be launched on June 3 at the Left Bank Village in Hereford. At the same time, there will be a ceremony where the following children will be presented with their prizes by Councillor Jenny Hyde, cabinet member for children and young people and Graham Turner, Manager of Hereford United:
Under 7s Winner Ellie Paine
Runner up Mary Goodwin
7-12s Winner Katie Francis
Runner up Meredith Ruleman
13-16s Winner Larissa Tasker
Runner up Lucy Batman
17+ Winner Rebecca Howard
All the prize-winning illustrations are included in the published plan which will be available in the county's libraries and on the council's website. The overall winner, Katie Francis from Fairfield High School wins the top prize of £100.
The original art work will be displayed alongside all the other entries at the launch between 3.30 and 6.30pm.
The plan is a collaborative piece of work involving schools, health services, the council, police, youth offending services, Connexions and other groups who work with children.
Many of those involved in its development will be at the launch to talk to members of the public about the work they do to support children. More than 25 exhibitors will provide information and entertainment; the library service will be storytelling, the healthy schools team will be raising the profile of healthy eating and the sports development team will be sharing lots of ideas about keeping active and healthy.
Councillor Jenny Hyde judged the pictures alongside members of the council's Shadow Board which is made up of young people. She said, "We were overwhelmed at the response we had to the competition and the standard of work submitted was superb. We chose Katie's picture as overall winner because it had that "wow factor" and embraced all the key themes the plan intends to address.
"This plan is the result of organisations working together with children and young people to agree where we all need to focus our attention over the next three years to improve things for our children and young people.
"It's a very important piece of work which is why we want to give members of the public the opportunity to come and talk to some of the organisations involved in putting it together, as well as looking at the wonderful art work our children have produced."
The Shadow Board has produced a children's version of the plan which will also be available at the exhibition for children and young people.