Newcastle Youth Council e-bulletin - JANUARY 2018 - ISSUE 1 - NE Youth
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Newcastle Youth Council
e-bulletin
JANUARY 2018 - ISSUE 1
CONTENTS
Who are the Youth Council?
What is the Youth Council doing?
UK Youth Parliament
Opportunities to get involved
Information
This is our first e-bulletin and
therefore very lengthy bringing you
up to date with all our activities.
WHO ARE THE YOUTH COUNCIL?
In brief
• The Youth Council is made up of young people aged between
11 – 18 years of age.
• The Youth Council has 22 places and Youth Councillors remain
in post for a period of 2 years.
• Youth Council is issue based addressing local, regionally and
nationally priorities.
• Youth Council is not a political organisation.
Background
Newcastle Youth Council (NYC) was launched in 2010 as an
independent voice for 11-18 year olds who live, learn, or work in the
City. In October 2014 NYC came back into Newcastle City Council and
has since been supported by the Communities Team.
The current Youth Councillors were elected in January 2017.
Case Study
Feedback from those who had participated in previous elections led to young
people changing the way in which successful candidates would be selected in
2017 and future elections. The purpose of this decision was to increase
representation from a wider range of schools. “Candidates will be sorted into
order of votes received, most to least. “Seats will then be allocated in order
of most votes, with the proviso that in the first instance no school will
allocated no more than 2 seats”.
What happened?
More young people expressed interest in becoming a member of Newcastle’s
Youth Council in 2017; interest increased by 43% from the 2014 election. Three
existing Youth Councillors campaigned again during the 2017 election process
and two were successfully re-elected. On Election Day there were 22 voting
centres spread across the city which was a 45% increase from the 2014
election. There was a significant 23% increase of ballot papers completed by
young people. Over 5,000 young people placed a vote.
MEMBERS OF THE YOUTH COUNCIL
Esther Kirk People Responsible for working in partnership with
Newcastle Children Safeguarding Board, child
protection, children and women’s rights.
Leah Shahzad People LGBT+, Social Care, Play and Youth Support.
Shona Allan People Education, youth employment, youth offending and
disability rights.
Eddie Chappel Health Public health and social issues associated with
smoking.
Stephanie Downs Health Local health services.
Fatima Pamsm-Conteh Health Public health, mental health issues, body imagine
Pawan Martin Place Crime and safety, Safe Newcastle.
Flynn Christian-Norris Place Housing and homelessness
Abigail Charlton Democracy Votes at 16, Curriculum for life, young people’s
participation in local decision-making.
John Carr Democracy Newcastle’s of the World
Commissioning
Leo Chen Resources Business management, legal services, commercial
development.
Dan Clarke Operations Waste contracts, Roads & highways, transport.
WHAT IS THE YOUTH COUNCIL DOING?
During the elections young people were asked what priorities were important to them; a simple tick
box exercise was used with additional space provided at the end so young people could tell us
what was important and why.
After careful analysis the
results indicated
‘Transport’, ‘Mental
Health’, ‘Work
Experience’ & ‘Things to
do, places to go’ were
important.
At the first Youth Council
meeting the newly
elected Youth Councillors voted for their top three priorities.
Results: Mental Health, Transport and Curriculum for
Life
To support Youth Councillor’s activity and involvement in services across the Council, the group
agreed to adopt a structure which reflected both the Cabinet and Newcastle City Council.
Newcastle Council structure
Newcastle Youth Council structure
British Youth Council Residential During their first six months of office the Youth Council spent time shaping their roles and networking with partners across the city. Training has been undertaken to support the Youth Councillors maximise their opportunities to deliver clear outcomes for young people they represent. During April, seven members from Newcastle Youth Council attended British Youth Council’s (BYC) annual residential in Kent which invites Youth Councils from across the UK to participate in team building activities to develop their skills as Youth Councillors, compare different youth council approaches to priorities and begin campaigns on youth focused issues. “It was a very good weekend, I met lots of amazing likeminded people who all have one goal to get the voices of young people heard. Meeting people in the same mind-set is very inspiring and gives you contacts with people up and down the country. The challenges that we were faced with were realistic and tough, designed to makes us think about how to get the best for our city. A great overall experience.” In conclusion, young people from Newcastle Youth Council thoroughly enjoyed their time at the Kent residential and found it to be a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ and ‘really fun’ to share their views with young people across the UK on issues important to them. “I thought the residential was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Meeting new people from across the country. The challenges we were faced with, realistic and tough, were designed to make us think about how to get the best from our time as Youth Councillors. A great overall experience.”
NYC GALLERY - WHAT WE HAVE DONE
Newcastle Youth Councillors volunteered at this year’s
General Election.
Youth Councillors: Kieron Gibson, John Carr, Joe Wood,
Pawan Martin, Abigail Charlton and Dan Clarke with MP
Chi Onwurah.
June 2017
Partnership working
A partnership agreement has been made between
Newcastle Safeguarding Children Board and Newcastle
Youth Council. Together they will work on issues relating
to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and
young people in Newcastle.
https://www.nscb.org.uk/
Newcastle Youth Council attended
Newcastle Pride festival in July 2017.
At the event Youth Councillors Leah
Shahzad and Shona Allen asked young
people if they felt safe in Newcastle and
how this impacted on their identities.
This information was fed into the Stay Safe in Newcastle Event.
July 2017
Staying Safe in the City Event
A conference for young people to share their
experience about staying safe in Newcastle. The
conference was hosted by Newcastle Children
Safeguarding Board and NYC.
Esther Kirk from NYC was the Master of
Ceremonies which was the first annual conference
of its kind in Newcastle.
August 2017
Make your Mark
During September and October the Youth Council supported
the national Make Your Mark Campaign.
Make Your Mark is an annual consultation for the UK Youth
Parliament. Young people across the Country are invited to
vote for their priority. In Newcastle we received nearly 4000
votes from young people. The top priority in Newcastle with
747 votes was Transport:
Make public transport,
cheaper, better and
accessible.
In November the UK Youth Parliament voted on a national
priority: Curriculum to prepare us for Life: Schools should
cover topics like finance, sex, relationship education and
politics.
November was a very busy month for NYC who hosted a public event
“World leader debate” and “Takeover day challenge”.
For Parliament week the Youth Council became a world
leader for a highly motivated debate.
Motions for and against were made for:
• Abolishment of Child Poverty.
• Is there such a thing as Global Warming?
It was an imaginative and fun way of introducing politics to young people.
Ed Miliband aka Leah
Henry VIII aka Flynn - Donald Trump aka John - Margaret Thatcher aka Abigail
Cllr Nora Casey became Speaker of the house for the session and did a splendid job keeping
order during some controversial arguments for and against the motions.
Takeover Challenge
NYC, Voices for Choices and the Carer Leavers Group took over
the Council as part of the Children’s Commissioner for England’s
Takeover Day Challenge. 18 young people spent the day taking
over the Cabinet Office, Opposition Office, Planning Committee,
Directors Office, Civic Centre, Condercum Road Depot, City
Library and the Lord Mayors Silver Gallery. All areas of the
Council were involved in the event which was a huge
success. Councillors, Officers and partner organisations
took time out to debate Curriculum for Life, Transport, and
Mental Health with the young people. This year was the
tenth anniversary of the Takeover Challenge, originally
launched in 2007 by the Children’s Commissioner’s Office
as a fun, imaginative and exciting activity to encourage
organisations across England to open their doors to children
and young people to take over adult roles. The Takeover
Challenge puts young people into decision-making positions
and encourages organisations and businesses to hear their
views. Children gain a valuable insight into the adult world
and gain experience of a workplace, while organisations
benefit from a fresh perspective on their work.
“The day
made me feel like the youth voice was
valued and people wanted to help us!”
ISSUES DISCUSSED
Attended British Youth Council regional
conventions to hear what is happening in
other areas of the North East
Newcastle
City Council
UNICEF Child Rights Partners Northumbria Police Home
Directors
discovery day to represent Office Training about
Team the
the views of young people organised crime
2018/19
Budget
Work in
partnership
Supported the
Full Council Transport Sub- with Newcastle
Ofsted
meetings group Children
inspection
Safeguarding
Board
“Meetings can be difficult sometimes. We are working with adult decision-makers to help
them make meetings more interactive and not just power-point presentations.”
For more information why not visit our website: http://www.newcastleyouthcouncil.co.uk/
Tell us about what is
important to young
Have you got a good
people?
idea that can improve
things for young
people?UK YOUTH PARLIAMENT What is Youth Parliament: UK Youth Parliament provides opportunities for 11-18 year olds to use their elected voice to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning. http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/ The UK Youth Parliament has over 280 seats for Elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) all aged 11-18. MYPs are usually elected in annual youth elections throughout the UK. Any young person aged 11-18 can stand or vote. In the past two years one million young people have voted in UK Youth Parliament elections. In Newcastle we have two Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) and two Deputy Members (DMYP). Currently Abigail Charlton and Shona Allen are the Youth Parliament members Once elected, MYPs organise events and projects, run campaigns and influence decision makers on the issues which matter most to young people. All MYPs have the opportunity to meet once a year at the UK Youth Parliament Annual Sitting. In July 2017 Youth Parliament had their Annual Sitting at Hope University, Liverpool in July. Rory McFarland and Kieron Gibson attended the sitting on behalf of Newcastle. Manifesto motions are voted on at the Annual Sitting with speeches for each motion and an open floor debate. The top ten issues are prioritised and go forward to a national consultation through the Make Your Mark ballot.
Nationally the top five issues for debate were;
A curriculum to prepare us for life
Transport
Work experience hubs for 11-18 year olds
Votes at 16
Protect LGBT+
http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017-Make-Your-Mark-Results-
Report-v2.pdf
Members of Youth Parliament aged 11-18 take
part in an annual debate in the House of
Commons chamber, chaired by the Speaker of
the House of Commons Rt Hon John Bercow
MP. They debate the five issues chosen by the
Make Your Mark and then vote to decide which
two issues should become the UK Youth
Parliament’s priority campaigns for the year
ahead.In November Abigail Charlton and Rory McFarland went to the House of Commons to debate the Mark Your Mark top five issues. Abigail was fortunate enough to present a motion for Curriculum for Life. Abigail’s Speech: https://youtu.be/hyhWiAPV2lQ VOTES AT 16 SUPPORT IN NEWCASTLE MYP Abigail has written to NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL and asked for their support as she campaigns for Votes at 16. Votes at 16 is a very topical issue that is currently being debated nationwide by political parties and advocates alike. The job of the document below is to inform Newcastle City Council of its duty to represent young people but also to ask Newcastle city council to show their open support for votes at 16 as it is such a topical issue that needs as much support as possible. I would like to begin by outlining that when I use the term "Votes at 16" I am referring to the definition recently used in the Private Members bill which reads: "A Bill to extend the franchise for parliamentary and other elections to all citizens over the age of 16 years". My goal for the council is to openly support Votes at 16 (through social media posts and action within the city) as it is a very important issue for young people nationwide. The support of the council would give an imperative push within the campaign and towards more representation of young people by the council. The recent Make Your Mark ballot conducted this year, in which 3750 young people across Newcastle cast their vote, saw 376 young people vote for Votes at 16. Then when it was then debated on the 10th of November 2017 (as it was one of the top 5 issues from the vote) by members of the youth parliament from across the UK, Votes at 16 was voted as our national campaign for the year of 2018 (with A Curriculum For Life being voted as the devolved "England only" campaign). Votes at 16 is, thus, very important for a large number of young people across Newcastle and the UK and it is for this reason that I, as one of Newcastle's two elected members of the youth parliament, have come to you to ask for your open support on this imperative issue. The people of Newcastle support votes at 16 and I would see it as only right that our council reflects this view and champion votes at 16 as being an openly pro-Votes at 16 city through showing support on social media and through actions and passing a motion to support votes at 16 within the council as Newcastle City Councillors. As the portfolio holder for Youth Involvement in Democracy, Votes at 16 is an issue I have been toiling with for some time. I truly believe that through our joint efforts as youth council and city council we can make large strides towards becoming an openly votes at 16 city and ensuring young people in Newcastle are listened to by decision makers. Young people are looking to the council now more than ever for representation and to be the spokesperson on their behalf's when it comes to national issues such as Brexit, Climate change and, of course, Votes at 16. The vital input of young people is just one more way we can improve the city of Newcastle for everyone who works, plays, study's and lives in Newcastle Yours sincerely, Abigail Charlton MYP - Newcastle
COULD YOU DO THIS? Stand up in the House of Commons and make a speech that is televised across the Country. Then you need to join the Newcastle Youth Council in 2019. WHAT COULD I DO IN THE MEANTIME? Youth Parliament Elections take place on 21st February 2018 between 5pm – 7pm at the City of Dreams Event, on Wednesday 21st February 2018, in the Great Hall at the Discovery Museum. If you are aged between 11 years and 18 years and live, learn, or work in Newcastle you can vote for your candidate. Join us at the Discovery Museum and meet your candidate and find out how they propose to support local issues and priorities at national meetings. Only young people who attend Newcastle Youth Council or the Children in Care Council can apply to become a Youth Parliament member. For more information email: youthcouncil@newcastle.gov.uk
OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED AND HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD:
Children and Young people's Mental Health Provision: Consultation
The Department of Health and the Department for Education are seeking views on the green
paper setting out measures to improve mental health support for children and young people in
England.
The green paper focuses on earlier intervention and prevention, especially in and linked to schools
and colleges. Proposals include: encouraging every school and college to have a ‘designated
senior mental health lead’; setting up mental health support teams working with schools, to give
children and young people earlier access to services; a 4-week waiting time for NHS children and
young people’s mental health services to be piloted in some areas.
The consultation closes on 2 March 2018. See details and documents https://nwgnetwork.us5.list-
manage.com/track/click?u=9b0570d613180ef9117789913&id=ef05df6d2d&e=829c42758e
Help English Heritage
Just wanted to share an online survey that V•Inspired are running in partnership with English
Heritage, with the aim of getting young people’s opinions around heritage.
https://vinspired.typeform.com/to/Yqwugu
“English Heritage and V•Inspired are really keen to hear what young people think about
heritage, history and youth social action, so we've designed this short questionnaire to
capture your feedback. There are no wrong answers, just answer with what you think.”
There is also a chance to win a £30 voucher for those taking part.
City of Dreams - the Big Culture Conversation event.
This will take place 5.30-7.45pm, on Wednesday 21st February 2018, in the Great Hall at the
Discovery Museum. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/big-culture-conversation-tickets-
42198913085
The Big Culture Conversation event is a unique chance for young people to influence decisions
about culture in Newcastle and Gateshead. The event is free for young people in Newcastle and
Gateshead
Are you aged 13-25, and live in Newcastle or Gateshead?
Or do you work with young people in the area?
Want more say in what's on offer for young people in your city?
Want the chance to talk to some top decision makers?
Got a "million pound" idea for a creative project?
In September 2018 we will launch an exciting new programme called City of Dreams. We aim to
make life better for all children and young people in Newcastle and Gateshead. We will run a
programme of creative activities all year, every year, for 10 years. We will be working together
with cinemas, theatres, galleries, visitor centres, museums, schools, voluntary and community
projects, dance and music venues. The Big Culture Conversation is your chance to tell usWhat City of Dreams should be. Come to Great Hall at Discovery Museum at 5.30pm on 21st
February 2018.
Who is involved?
This event is organised by the City of Dreams Champions group, supported by:
NewcastleGateshead Cultural Venues.
The event will be facilitated by: Headliners, Youth Focus North East, Gateshead Youth Assembly,
Newcastle Youth Council, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, New Writing North, Apples and
Snakes, Curious Monkey, Northern Roots, NewcastleGateshead CVS, Newcastle City Arts
Development Team, Princes Trust.
To find out more about City of Dreams, and the Champions, email ben@cityofdreams.org.uk
Newcastle Parks Trust
Feedback Sessions
The City Council would like to let residents and stakeholders know the latest position regarding its
plans to create a Newcastle Parks Trust.
Last year, the people of Newcastle came out in force and responded to the City Council’s
consultation on the future management and delivery of its parks and allotments, making it one of
the Council’s most engaging consultations in recent years!
The Council realised that a new way of delivering parks was needed to cope with seven years of
Government imposed budget cuts - which had resulted in the parks’ budget being reduced by
90%.
In November last year, after extensive research, discussion and consultation, the Council’s
Cabinet approved the proposal for Newcastle’s parks and allotments to be managed by a new
charitable company (with ownership staying with the City) supported by the National Trust and
Heritage Lottery Fund.
The next stage of this pioneering project is the recruitment of the inaugural Chair and a Board of
Trustees (all voluntary roles). The posts can be found listed on Guardian Jobs Online:
https://goo.gl/TPjr3e
Find out more about the Newcastle Parks Trust at local drop in sessions.
Date Area Venue Time
Saturday 10/2/18 East Visitors Centre, Jesmond Dene 12pm – 1pm
Monday 12/2/18 West Nunsmoor Centre 7pm – 8pm
Civic Centre
Tuesday 13/2/18 Central 7pm – 8pm
Armstrong Room
Civic Centre
Saturday 24/2/18 Allotments 12pm – 1pm
Collingwood SuiteTRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Free training
Thank you for taking the time to read our
first e-bulletin
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