A bold aspiration to shape how Bristol could look 50 years from was officially launched in December 2016. Bristol Resilience Strategy - a framework to protect Bristol against potential shocks and pressures it may encounter in the future, looks ahead over the next 50 years, and there is a large focus on young people and how they can help build a more resilient future for the city.
Many of the ideas included in the strategy will benefit the next generation, these include; votes for 16 year olds, free bus travel for U16s and a vision for a child-friendly city.
Youth Mayor Theo Davis said: “The Youth Mayors and Youth Council are pleased to see a City Resilience Strategy that looks fifty years ahead to a time when our own children will be adults. The actions and priorities that we choose to focus on today will determine the kind of city that Bristol is in the future.
“Young people should be at the heart of these discussions and have a real say in the decisions that affect our future. So it is great to see that the strategy include actions that will directly benefit young people; for example the proposals to give votes to 16 year olds, provide free bus travel for under 16s and improve work experience and volunteering opportunities".
As part of the launch event, there was a tour of examples of current projects in Bristol that understand the importance of resilience. These included Bristol Child Friendly City project Room 13 Hareclive, an independent artists’ studio run by children and adults working together, Filwood Green Business Park and the Severn Project, an urban farm that aims to empower individuals and communities by providing authentic training, education and employment opportunities.
To find out more and download a copy of the strategy visit the Bristol City Council website.