Rural Young People • Meeting new friends • Having your voice heard • Having fun Rural Youth Matters Conference A successful Rural Youth Conference attended by over 100 year 11 pupils from schools throughout the Newry & Mourne area has taken place. The event, organised by The Rural Abode Project, which is funded by the Rural Development Council Peace II programme, articulated issues young people have under the theme of “Rural Youth Matters”. Topics discussed and possible solutions to issues highlighted were debated at a series of workshops using the Open Space methodology. The findings from the workshops were summarised into reports. Students then presented the results of the workshops to local political representatives and members of voluntary and statutory organisations with the aim of influencing future policy decisions regarding youth services in rural areas of South Down/ South Armagh. Deli-Lites Gourmet Sandwich Company and Fresh Fields Farm Shop Warrenpoint sponsored refreshments/healthy snacks during the Conference.