A key element in the operation of JusB is our Youth Council. This enables the young people to be positively involved in the day-to-day running of the Projects and to participate in all major decisions. This includes staff recruitment, opening hours, fundraising events, the activities we run and ideas for new projects. The council comes together to share ideas and discuss topics that interest them. By encouraging the young people to become involved they experience democracy first hand, thus enabling them to have a greater understanding of how their local community and society operates. This enables young people • To make informed decisions, choices and independent judgements by developing the necessary skills and experiences. For example by sitting on the staff interview panel they understand what an employer is looking for when they are being interviewed • To address issues of concern to them, particularly drugs, crime, sexual health, homelessness and unemployment. • To enhance their political education by developing an understanding of how society works and an awareness of the need to balance other people’s needs and interests. The council doesn’t have elected members but instead working groups, who form as and when the need arises. The working groups are structured and include young people who are particularly passionate about a certain issue. The working groups exist for the period of time relevant to the issue. By creating these groups we enhance the communication between the Trustees and young people who use our services.