The Children's Commissioner, Sir Al Aynsley Green visited the Head Office of Connexions West Yorkshire today to hear about the work of the Activity Agreement.

This visit was made possible through the connection that Mandy Boatswain-Tomkin, Activity Agreement Senior Keyworker for Wakefield, already had with Sir Al, and their shared interest in initiatives that enhance the happiness and wellbeing of young people. Mandy negotiated the visit while her team of three Keyworkers - Chloe Affersen, Martin Porritt and Sima Akbar - brought a number of young people along. Mandy also managed to arrange the attendance of Chris Manning, a specialist Provider of Wellbeing programmes for young people. Those young people who had worked with Chris and were at the event really showed how much they had benefited.

A wonderful discussion took place between Sir Al Aynsley Green and the large group of young people who attended. Our young adult clients, volunteers and colleagues responded to the challenge of such a meeting.

The young people answered Sir Al's questions in an honest and direct way. Topics of conversation ranged from questions about smoking in public places, finance and benefit policies, concerns for young travellers, to views on extended compulsory education, the importance of friends in relationships, and young people in governance after Connexions - and so much more. The young people demonstrated clear thinking and sharp insights, which impressed Sir Al and his team.