OVER 150 young people from across Carmarthenshire have taken part in the Youth Council’s 11th annual conference.

The event, which focused on domestic abuse, also celebrated the 25th anniversary of Universal Children’s Day.

The conference named “Abuse at home, you’re not alone” was organised in partnership by Carmarthenshire Youth Council and Carmarthenshire County Council.

Young people from schools, colleges and youth projects had the opportunity to discuss issues and share their views and experiences of domestic abuse with professionals and decision makers.

Organisations such as welsh Women’s Aid, Victim Support, Dyfed Powys Police and Hafan Cymru supported the conference.

Carmarthenshire Youth Council chair Freya Amsbury, aged 17 of Carmarthen, said: “The conference felt like it went really well, I heard lots of controversial and interesting discussions.

“My eyes were really opened about a variety of topics and I hope other young people’s were too.

“After such a successful conference, our next job as a Youth Council is to follow up this work with Carmarthenshire decision makers so that young people’s voices create real change.”

Sarah Powell Young Peoples Participation Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council said: “this year’s event had a real buzz about it, young people took part in workshops and got involved in discussions on the normally hidden issue of domestic abuse.

“The Youth Council will now be working with decision makers such as the Children and Young Peoples Partnership to ensure that young people’s voices are heard.”