A PROJECT designed to give pupils at Hook CP School a strong voice in the future of their community has been highlighted at a health professionals’ conference at Llanelli this week.

#justsaying aims to find out the pupils’ views on where they live, what wellbeing means to them, and what their ideal community would look like, said Matt Townsend from PLANED, who has been running the scheme.

“The school is incredible. The pupils are so informed and forward-thinking,” he said.

“Their ideas and vision for positive change are inspirational.

“To know that children have this level of awareness is impressive and humbling.”

He was so impressed with the initial results of the Leader-funded project that he presented a report on its success to the Pembrokeshire Public Services Board.

In turn, that led to an invitation to speak about it at the Hywel Dda Voice of the Child conference on November 5 as an example of best practice.

The project has explored children’s opinions about their community through engaging activities and games.

Rhys, Thiesbe, Seren and William in Year 6 said it had been very enjoyable.

“It’s been really good to give our ideas on how we would like to see the village in the future,” said Seren. “One of our ideas is to have more football and rugby and other sport in the village,” added Rhys.

Matt said the aim is to bridge the gap between the priorities of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015 and the views of the youngest in the community.

Headteacher Louise John said: “All children have been involved in the project and Matt’s work has enabled the sharing of their ideas with the whole community to take place.

“Pupil Voice is very strong at our school and this has been evidenced by the pupils contributions during workshops with Matt.

“I am extremely proud of the children’s work and appreciative of the opportunities that have been given to Hook School to demonstrate its practices.”