Cobham Workshop 2 Carl Burton A vision for empowerment
- 1. A Vision for Empowerment Young Peoples Participation Portsmouth ‘ The Waterfront City’
- 2. Strategy Model for participation of children and young people in Portsmouth The Youth Parliament Formulated body of young people to represent all young people made up of elected/nominated representatives of existing Young Peoples Groups/individual services as appropriate All existing formulated forums of young people that meet to offer feedback/comment on service and/or current issues Existing Young Peoples Forums Participation of young people within existing services Relates to Services/agencies/organisations working with children and young people across all sectors Each individual service/organisation to use the Hear By Right Planning Tool to help formulate plans Further involve young people within the decision-making processes of their individual service, Assist the organisation in planning for identified needs, Gaining feedback on services offered and help formulate future funding bids.
- 3. Examples of Practice Youth Parliament Built on the principle of offering two way communication Enables issues to be raised by young people & Gives opportunities to have issues consulted on raised by decision-makers Both Representative and Elected allowing independents Offers skill development, training and opportunities for young people to improve self-confidence respect for others Agreed and authorised by Local Strategic Partnership/ Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership & Service Providers
- 4. Examples of Practice Young Advisors Neighbourhood Training and Resource Centre SE Part of Young Advisors National Pilot March 07- March 08 Aim: Break down barriers & stereotypes between generations with Young people involved with Community Engagement to Improve local services within the community Working with decision-makers, local councillors, service providers and budget holders Outcomes: Raise Young People’s Profiles in a positive image Reduce barriers between services, residents and young people Assist engagement with young people by any interested party/service/body 14 Young People trained as Advisors; 14-16 from across the City including 2 young people who are designated homeless
- 5. Young Advisors Con’t Examples of Initiatives Involvement within local community fun days – Activity Leaders PSHE Development within Schools Improving local Play Areas in discussion with Residents, Local Councillors, Housing Services, Parks Facilitated debates on Children and Young Peoples involvement in Open Space design Promoted Positive Image of Young People Local Media Young People Now Created DVD of the work they have done Offered Personal Development and Safe Place to Meet
- 6. Examples of Practice Student Voice & Council of Portsmouth Schools (COPS) 96% Schools Primary/Junior/Secondary/Special/PRU’s (40% in 2003) Aim: To engage young people in having a say in school Improvement and development The majority are voted for from their classes year councils Schools council Secondary School Representatives hold a place and the overarching Council of Portsmouth Schools Currently development of a Primary COPS
- 7. Student Voice & Council of Portsmouth Schools (COPS) Con’t Examples of Initiatives Contribution to Beacon Status Bid on Community Consultation & Engagement Bid for Young Money Funds for a Community based Youth Café run by and for young people Identified £20,000 buildings initiative in relation to Glare and Heat Protection System to reduce temperature of classroom in summer and improve heat retention in winter 80% of School Councils now hold young people as Governors Seen now as a cultural change rather than an additional initiative within the schools – schools look to be more inclusive
- 8. Examples of Practice Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Funds 2006/07 - £225,000 Panel of Young People were drawn from across the City following a City Wide Consultation on the funds and type of activities wanted by Young People 93 Applications 86 grants approved Range of Activities/Provision Including: Fencing Equipment, Skate Equipment, renovating a Youth Club, Youth Shelter, Kayaks, Speedboat, bus passes and so forth… 17 Young people as grant givers 367 Young people as project leaders/applicants All deemed as hard to reach Complete Autonomy within the decision-making processes Young People designed the Application and judging process Inclusive Forms, advertised widely Radio, Cinema Magz
- 9. All of which is underpinned by the fact that Young People are given opportunities for Paid Involvement and opportunities for Volunteering
- 10. Any Questions?