Negative perceptions of young people are rife.

But a lively group of teenagers who gather fortnightly aim to dispel the belief that all youngsters are trouble-makers.

On top of school and college work - and who knows how many other activities - they meet to discuss what matters to their generation.

The group of 23 members from across the district are Braintree Youth Council.

Jack Rivers, 16, of Church Road, Wickham St Paul, and who attends Hedingham Sixth Form, said their message was “improving the lives of young people in the district”, as well as trying to get more people involved with the youth council.

Nicolette Ester, 17, of Harnham Drive, Great Notley, and who attends Felsted School, said they wanted their role to be an even bigger one in the future, but they had to take things slowly “We have figured out in the past you cannot just go off trying to achieve huge monstrous tasks. You have to go step by step.”

Braintree Youth Council, which was established a few years ago, are consulted on proposals, and work closely with organisations like Braintree Council and the police.

Jack, who hopes to become a politician after having a career, said currently they were working with the police on next year’s fun day at Braintree Rugby Club in Beckers Green Road.

At a youth council meeting two weeks ago the group discussed their ideas for the day.

They included “short and sweet” workshops, such as on judo, graffiti and DJ-ing, a battle of the bands, and free condoms.

Lee McDermid, youth action worker for Essex County Council, who attended the meeting, pointed out they would need to be careful about the ages of the children they were giving the condoms to.

At the meeting the group also brainstormed suggestions for next year’s Mid Essex Youth Conference, organised by young people from across Mid Essex, coming up with some of the following main issues: bullying, self-confidence, relations with older people and sex and relationship education.

Other activities Braintree Youth Council is currently involved in include a take-over day this month - a national initiative which will see Jack become headteacher of his school for a day.

Aaron Walkden, 17, of Nottage Crescent, Braintree, and who attends Braintree College, said the reason he got involved with Braintree Youth Council was to fight stereotypes of young people.

He said: “I have seen quite a big change in how elderly people portray me. I work in an old people’s shop and they are less afraid to come and talk to you now.”

Lee said youth council was about “empowerment”.

“These young people realise there’s positive things going on, and also young people in the area. It’s only recently they have started publicising themselves quite a lot,” he said.

To get involved with Braintree Youth Council email Lee at lee.mcdermid@essex.gov.uk.