Improvements to the way YFC tackles wellbeing, respect and inclusion were discussed at NFYFC’s first meeting of its YFC for Everyone Action Group in September.
The meeting was declared a ‘safe space’ where people could share experiences confidentially to bring about change.
NFYFC will set out recommendations following on from the meeting with two key areas being focused on.
The first action group meeting, held in Warwickshire, involved YFC members, parents and key YFC stakeholders who all shared experiences and put forward practical suggestions for change.
Chris Rice from Devon is a parent to YFC members and joined the action group as he wanted to represent the various needs in his children’s club.
He said: “It has been really interesting to hear everyone’s point of view. It’s given us a huge amount to think about. I’m really glad that National Federation of Young Farmers’ [Clubs] have taken that on board and [will] have a look at it and I’m really confident that it will be an enjoyable place for my children going forwards.”
A desire to make YFC more inclusive was the reason Madii Sharpe from Norfolk joined the group. This was her first involvement in an activity with the national office and she was surprised to find NFYFC was tackling the same issues as her county.
It has given me quite a lot of hope that what we have experienced at County level is reflected on national and that national are able to put stuff in place to hopefully make a change for the future.
Madii Sharpe
Norfolk
Following a call out for people to join the group, more than 60 YFC members and parents signed up to help with influencing positive changes throughout the organisation.
Isaac Cawkwell, a club officer from Leicestershire and Rutland Federation of YFC, said he had found the group ‘astounding’ because of the opportunity to share his views to help influence change.
Isaac said: “I came along to try and be part of the change that is going to inspire the next set of leaders to improve YFC. It has been somewhat astounding and amazing. Everyone has had really valued input and feedback, which has then gone to national level and will filter down to changes at county and club level. Without this feedback, we cannot make any positive changes.”
Anyone who is interested in joining the YFC is for Everyone Action Group should email post@nfyfc.org.uk with their request to join.
