UK Transport Minister and MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, Jesse Norman, attended the county’s first young person’s disability forum, hosted by Herefordshire Council recently.

The forum was organised by Cameron Wood from The Young Person’s Network, and gave young people between the ages of 14 and 25, with additional needs and disabilities, the chance to talk and ask questions about the issues that affect their lives.

As well as the young people who attended, carers and representatives from Herefordshire Council, including Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, the Herefordshire National Autistic Society, and the Wye Valley NHS Trust were present.

Cameron Wood, the Young Person’s Network project lead said: “I was delighted with the number of young people who came along to the forum and joined in with the discussions. They asked some really probing questions, ranging from access to activities and services to educational provision.

Cameron said that the forums will be held annually to give young people with disabilities the opportunity to discuss the issues that affect their daily lives.

Jesse Norman, MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, said: “I would like to thank Cameron for all of his hard work in organising a successful first forum, and for inviting me along to join the conversation. I was really grateful for the opportunity to discuss these really important issues that affect young people living with disabilities and their families across the county.”

Anyone aged between 16 and 18 years of age who is interested in getting involved with the Young Person’s Network project, or would like to find out more, please email [email protected] or you can follow @ypnetworkHerefd.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.