That is the question that Dorset Council and its partners will be asking children and young people across the county. Their ideas will help shape the new Children, Young People and Families Plan, which aims to make Dorset the best place to be a child.
Anyone aged up to 18 can share their ideas by entering the ‘I Live in Dorset’ art competition. Children and young people will be asked to enter artwork that explores what would make Dorset the best place to grow up.
Their ideas will help the Strategic Alliance of Children & Young People, which includes schools, the NHS, local councils, the police and voluntary organisations, create a new plan to improve opportunities and services.
The plan will map out how life in Dorset should be improved for children and young people so they get the best possible start in life. It will set out how access to education and early support for families should be improved. It will also look at strengthening a range of services including foster care, housing, mental health support, careers advice, childcare and how to improve provision for those with special educational needs or a disability.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “We are asking all Dorset children and young people to fire up their imaginations and describe things big and small that would change their world. We want to hear about real-life ideas such as people and places, but not completely imaginary things on this occasion, so sorry, no space aliens or time travelling portals!
“So if you are under 18 please help change the future by taking part in our fun ‘I Live in Dorset’ art competition. There are three prizes of art supplies worth £50 each. Your amazing entries will be displayed online, at events and in public spaces all over Dorset.”
Any artwork can be entered, including video clips, drawings, audio (songs, rap, poems, spoken word), 3D models that you can take a picture of, writing, dance or movement, painting or a mixture! Anyone aged up to 18 can enter by 31 July 2020 and please tell us your age. You can enter by emailing a photo or clip of your work to: iliveindorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or by sharing it on social media (TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) just post using #iliveindorset or you can post your work to: ‘I Live in Dorset’, Children’s Services, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester DT1 1XJ
More information and terms and conditions are available at: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/get-involved
