What is the YVEC Winter Social?
The Youth Voice Executive Committee (YVEC) Winter Social is a relaxed end-of-year event for YVEC members to connect, celebrate, and have fun! It included festive DIY crafts, games, quizzes, and party food, offering a welcoming space to build relationships in the group and enjoy the festive season together!
Read more about the Youth Voice Executive Committee
What did we do?
Each year the facilitators and members of the Youth Voice Executive Committee plan a Winter Social filled with fun activities, food and games! This year we held the session at County Hall in Aylesbury, filling the room with festive decorations and playing music!
We got creative with DIY holiday themed crafts, battled it out in an indoor snowball fight, played games including guessing members baby photos. Plus there was a quiz and arts and crafts.
We all enjoyed pizza and party food.
Why is it important to have a Winter Social?
The Winter Social gives us the opportunity to build stronger relationships within the group and reward the contributions of our young people for their hard work volunteering with us and reflect on the year. It also helps create a sense of belonging among the members and boasts their engagement with the group.
What did you enjoy most about the winter social this year and why?
“My favourite part of the winter social was the snowball fight because everyone was just laughing and having fun together”
How did the Winter Social help you feel part of YVEC?
“I found the group activities and the games made me feel a strong sense of community”
What did you enjoy most about the winter social this year and why?
“I enjoyed the crafts the most because I love having something that I can take home with me “
What would you like to see at the next YVEC social event?
“Maybe more group activities things that bring everyone involved together like the snow ball fight for example it was fun and it brought everyone involved together“
Even better if….
“Maybe make it a bit longer it felt short (maybe because I was having lots of fun)”
What was the best part of the Winter Social and why?
“I liked the quiz PH did and of course the snowball fight as it was competitive but in a fun way.”
“Thanks for organising all of this. Couldn’t have happened without you!”
“Thank you so much for inviting me to the party on Thursday, I found it so fun. I’m really excited to come to next events coming!”
Gareth Drawmer, Head of Achievement and Learning, shared his thoughts on his time with the YVEC:
“I have worked with the Youth Voice Executive for over seven years, and as I leave Buckinghamshire I wanted to reflect on what it has meant to me before I leave the council.
Enthusiastic
I’m always amazed at how passionate and energetic the group is – full of different opinions and personalities but all keen to contribute their thoughts, feelings and opinions.
Joyful
The meetings are always full of laughter, support and positive energy.
Diverse
It has been wonderful to work with young people from a wide range of backgrounds and I have really valued everyone’s perspectives and voices.
Focussed
The committee is more than just a talking shop! It has been eye opening to see them support the council on a wide range of policy and consultation work with honesty and integrity – ensuring that the voice of young people has been represented at every opportunity.
Fun
Getting out and about with the committee – to Brighton, Oxford, Parliament and on the Thames have been very special times.
Pride
To see the work that everyone puts into the annual Youth Summit – and the impact that it has had on a large number of young people from across the county fills me with a sense of awe and pride for what has been achieved.
My job is always busy and we are constantly having to deal with major events and time pressures, but I have always prioritised YVEC as this has been one of the most important events in my diary each month. It has been lovely to see members of the committee grow and develop, coming back after they have left and finding out what they did next! I know that YVEC will go on from strength to strength in the future, and that the voice of young people will continue to be heard and at the heart of Buckinghamshire Council. ”
For more information
If you would like more information about this session or the Youth Voice Executive Committee, please email YouthVoiceBucks@Buckinghamshire.gov.uk.