The National Youth Agency - In the Know

In the Know - Issue 6, November 2007

VOTE NOW

The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) wants to know whether young people think the current voting age should be lowered to 16. It is particularly interested in what young people think about politics. Do they care? Are they being engaged? It is aiming for a response of 30,000 young people by the end of 2007, and the results will then be passed on to the government. Have your say

Also of interest...

HAVE YOUR SAY

UKYP also wants to know what young people really think of public transport – is it too expensive? is it safe? The results of the survey will be handed to the Department of Transport, to lobby for the improvement of the current transport situation for young people.

ROADSHOW

UNICEF UK will be holding a Youth Voice Roadshow for young people aged 11-18 at Bolton Lads and Girls Club on 8 December. It is a FREE event for up to 150 young people, and will offer a great opportunity for young people to speak out and be heard on issues that they feel are important to them.

BE A FILM MAKER

The Language and Film Talent Awards are looking for young people across the UK to produce the most innovative and original film clip that promotes language learning. A panel including ITV’s Trevor McDonald will be judging the awards and the winning entries will have their clips screened in top London venues. The competition is open to all young people aged 13-21. The closing date is 31 March 2008.

GUNS AND GANGS

NCH wants to find out what children and young people think about knives and guns. Do they make young people feel safe or scared? Why do some people carry weapons? What should be done to stop knife and gun crime? This is a chance for young people to have their say.

RUCKUS

The Autumn issue of RUCKUS, the NYA’s free online magazine produced with the help of young people and for young people is available. Download your copy FREE >>

SMOKING

It is now illegal for under-18s to buy tobacco. The government hopes the move will reduce the number of young people who smoke and make it easier for retailers to spot under-age smokers. Find out more>>

MININUM WAGE

The minimum wage has increased from £5.35 to £5.52 an hour for workers aged 22 and over. There have also been increases from £4.45 to £4.60 for 18-21 year olds, and from £3.30 to £3.40 for 16-17 year olds.

AWARDS

Nominations are being invited for this year's Makin' it Real Awards, which reward and recognise groups of young people who have come together to make a positive difference to their communities. All winners will receive personalised certificates and trophies and winners of the Young People's Award will get cash towards their project. Closing date for entries is Friday 7 December 2007.

YOUTH TASKFORCE

The government has created a new youth taskforce which will be responsible for improving the lives of young people – as well as preventing them getting into trouble and encouraging them to have respect for their community and will produce a Youth Crime Action Plan in Spring 2008.

CHILDREN IN CARE

The government has promised that in future young people won’t have to leave care at the age of 16, before they are ready. It has set up 11 pilot projects across the country, costing £6m over three years, to explore how best to plan care around the needs of young people. Young people will have a greater say over whether they stay in care until they are 18, or move out into independent flats or hostels.

CRIME

A survey by the Howard League for Penal Reform has revealed that 95 per cent of 10 to 15-year-olds in Britain have been a victim of crime at least once. The study found that most incidents occurred in schools and playgrounds or between school and home. However, most children were unlikely to report incidents to the police or teachers because they felt those adults would not be interested.

CITIZENSHIP

The government is to launch a review of citizenship, headed up by Lord Goldsmith. Working closely with the Youth Citizenship Commission the review aims to outline the significance of citizenship - for people born in the UK as well as those who move here - and develop recommendations to deal with modern issues of migration, identity and civic participation.

YOUNG ADVISORS

The government has announced the expansion of the Young Advisor scheme into 16 new local authorities. Funding of over £150,000 will be available to train almost a hundred Young Advisors, giving young people a voice to affect local and national policies.

AWARDS

Common Purpose has launched its CHANGEit Awards to encourage or recognise young people aged 11 to 18 taking action to improve their communities. The awards are in two parts: performance awards for young people who have taken action on issues they care about, and innovation awards, for young people who want to make positive change happen but need help with the funding and/or the know how to get started. The deadline for nominations is 15 December 2007.

COMMUNITY ISSUES

Local residents, including young people, are to be handed greater control over issues in their communities with the launch of a new local government plan. The plan, backed with £35m funding, will provide community kitties in each area and local people will be able to decide how its spent. It also includes plans to hand over community assets such as disused buildings or old swimming pools to local groups.

ONLINE SAFETY

The government wants to hear what young people think about the internet and video games. They are particularly interested in the benefits and risks to young people who use them for fun, socialising and education. The deadline to respond is: 16 December.

REACHING OUT TO YOUNG PEOPLE

The government has announced plans to decrease the numbers of young people who are not in education, employment or training. The £100 million plan was announced in advance of new laws requiring requiring all young people to stay in education or training until 17 by 2013, and 18 by 2015.

The NYA has broadly welcomed the move to increase the leaving age for young people but is concerned that it will be compulsory with potential fines for those that do not attend. Chief Executive Fiona Blacke said:

‘We are firmly of the view that the aim of the proposals – that of continuing participation – is laudable and should of course be supported. But learning will never be guaranteed through compulsory attendance. The Agency is calling for an education offer which is so broad that there is something that tempts every young person. For many young people, a youth work offer would provide the stimulation and attraction that traditional education and training cannot. ‘

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Ofsted's annual survey of young people aged 10 to 15 has found a generation of conscientious students who are deeply concerned about their own education and skilled critics of their classes and teachers. Many do voluntary work and sports - 40% exercise more than six times a week. But it also revealed a significant minority who are regularly taking drugs, drinking and smoking, and who want more advice on sex.

The Muslim Youthwork Foundation has launched an e-newsletter to keep people informed on a range of different events, projects, policy updates and funding opportunities that may be of use. To sign up to the newsletter or for more information contact Man Yee Lee

HAVE YOUR SAY

TV presenters Davina McCall and June Sarpong are giving young people the chance to claim a share of £1 million to help tackle the dangers of drugs and crime, and play a positive role in their community. The 18-month Prince’s Trust initiative will see June and Davina host a series of heated debates where young people can give their opinions on issues that matter to them. Watch the video

FUNDING

On 5 December, vcashpoint, the funding programme that offers young people the money they need to turn their ideas for volunteering into a reality, opens for applications from young people. 16-25 year olds can register now for vcashpoint updates on vinspired.com. vcashpoint will fund new projects or ideas which aim to expand or develop previously completed projects, including more young people.