PKCT's new Youth Council had their first ever meeting this week, as they visited Pullar House and got started on their work. 

PKCT's Youth Council take their first group photo - left to right: Martha, Kiera, Kaitlin, Finlay and Sun (on screen). Pictured with PKCT's Discovery, Learning and Engagement Officer, Catherine Leatherland, and Chair, Stephen Woollard.

The new Youth Council is part of PKCT's Grow Wild project and is possible thanks to funding from the Gannochy Trust's Youth Panel Fund. The Youth Council will meet four times a year, to discuss the work of PKCT and share ideas about the current and future projects that the Trust undertakes. As a warm up for this initial meeting, the youth council started by thinking about what snacks they would like at future meetings! Once the induction got going, it was time to move on to the more serious tasks and members helped with current dilemmas with project naming and marketing. 

Speaking about the launch, Catherine Leatherland (Discovery, Learning and Engagement) said:

"We're delighted to have held our first Youth Council meeting and for our young volunteers to start to get to know each other and begin their work in helping us make the countryside an accessible place for all.

Between the meetings scheduled throughout the year our Youth Council members will also have the chance to take part in optional activities such as helping at events or shadowing staff. We hope that this will allow our new young volunteers will gain new experiences, skills, and friendships during their time with us."

PKCT is dedicated to helping everyone to access the countryside, and the Staff and Trustees are all very excited to welcome our new young people to the team. Their views will help to shape PKCT's work, and ensure young people's voices are represented in the decisions that we take. Watch this space - there is much more to come!