A GROUP of 12 young people from across the Diocese of Durham have become among the first in the Church of England to form a Children’s Council.

The Children’s Council, made up of young people aged eight years and over, comes together to help give them a stronger voice in their local church and the wider diocese.

The Diocese of Durham Children’s Council was officially launched in November with a view to giving young people an opportunity to communicate their feelings, hopes, fears and

opinions on being involved in the church.

It also also provides a place to work together on projects and areas of interest, developing their self confidence, communication, negotiation and team

working skills.

Children’s Ministry Adviser for the Diocese of Durham, Sharon Pritchard said: “Listening to children has been an important issue for us in ensuring that children have a voice and are heard continues to be of great significance although this is not always present in our society.

“Adults often think that they know what children need and forget that they have views, opinions, ideas and concerns of their own."

She added: “There is a great opportunity for the Church at national and local level to respond to the Good Childhood Inquiry and to be a part of the continuing developments. "Having explored participation, children’s advocacy and Learn2Listen, it was felt that the formation of a Diocesan Children’s Council would enable us to engage with children more as part of this agenda.”