West Shore youth are being asked to speak their minds on everything to do with where they live at a series of workshops put on by Pacific Centre Family Services Association.

The Youth Engagement Group Series is intended to provide a platform to hear from youths aged 13 to 19.

"There's an awful lot of people out here who say that youth aren't being consulted about programs that impact on them," said Bill McIlroy

McIlory said it can be difficult to get youth out to voice their opinions, so this series is being set up as a welcoming, fun event that will put youth first. Snacks and door prizes will be provided.

Topics include local government, youth arts, services for youth and community development. A co-ordinator from Pacific Centre will lead the discussion. The results of the talk will be reported back to the larger community.

The hope is the information gathered can be used to influence agencies dealing with youth on the West Shore while coming up with ways to provide more services to youth.

"There's no point in a bunch of old farts like me saying 'this is what we need to do for these kids,'" said McIlroy. "Let's hear it from the kids."

The groups will run every Monday night from 4 to 6 p.m. from Nov. 26 to Dec. 17, picking up again in the new year from Jan. 14 to Feb. 4. No registration is required and sessions will be held at Westshore Child, Youth and Family Centre, 345 Wale Rd. Rides are available. For more information call 250-478-8357.