Cobham Workshop 2 Carl Burton A vision for empowerment

A Vision for Empowerment Young Peoples Participation

Portsmouth

‘The Waterfront City’

2 Putting People FirstPortsmouth City Council

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.


Examples of PracticeYouth 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


Examples of PracticeYoung 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 imageReduce barriers between services, residents and young peopleAssist 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


Young Advisors Con’tExamples 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


Examples of PracticeStudent 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


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


Examples of PracticeYouth 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


All of which is underpinned by the fact that Young People are

given opportunities for Paid Involvement

and opportunities for

Volunteering

10

Putting People FirstPortsmouth City Council

Any Questions?

Education

Cobham Workshop 2 Carl Burton A vision for empowerment