In the Know - Issue 4, July 2007

YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY

The Commission on Integration and Cohesion wants to see more money for youth services. It says that youth services do a lot of excellent work involving young people in their communities and this should be shared. The Commission also wants to see more young people involved in all areas of decision-making, including strategic policy making level. Read the report>>

Also of interest...

MENTAL HEALTH

The government has announced it is to make changes to the Mental Health Bill. It will mean that young people under the age of 18 will receive treatment for a mental disorder in a ‘young people friendly environment’. Find out more>>

Research carried out by children's charity NCH claims that children and young people are suffering from declining emotional wellbeing. It found that the number of young people suffering from emotional problems has doubled since the 1930s. Find out more>>

LIVING IN POVERTY

A new report by Save the Children has found that more than 1.3 million children in Britain are living in extreme hardship, in families on an average income of just £19 per day. The charity is calling on the government to spend more to make sure it meets their target of halving child poverty by 2010. Find out more>>

BLACK AND MINORITY ETHNIC YOUNG PEOPLE

A new report from a committee of MPs has revealed the high number of young black people that end up within the criminal justice system. As well as highlighting the benefit of community crime prevention work, the MPs call for more support to improve the role of fathers and teachers in children's lives. Find out more>>

YOUTH SUMMIT

Speaking at The NYA’s first Youth Summit, government minister Parmjit Dhanda, praised the 'passion and commitment' of young people to social issues. He highlighted young people's participation in volunteering activities, saying they were the largest group to give up their free time. More information>>

YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE MEDIA

Nine out of ten stories about young people don't report what they say and less than a quarter are positive about young people, according to a new survey by Young People Now magazine. It found that only 22 per cent of national media stories about young people are positive. Broadcast media in particular concentrated on negative stories, with 87.5 per cent of broadcast clips unfavourable towards young people. More information>>

A new Barnardo's poll has revealed that one in four adults think that children who are disruptive or antisocial are beyond long term help by the time they are 13, and two thirds of adults are convinced that children are more criminal now than ever before. In response, Barnardo's has launched a campaign to show how troubled children can be helped. More information>>

GOVERNMENT CHANGES

Gordon Brown, the new prime minister, has split the Department for Education and Skills into two new departments:

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (secretary of state Ed Balls) Responsible for youth policy, children and families, schools and now antisocial behaviour.

The Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (secretary of state John Denham) Responsible for 14-19 education, higher and further education and skills. Find out more>>

The government has set up the National Council for Educational Excellence which will be responsible for the long term future of children and young people’s education. Overseen by Gordon Brown and Ed Balls, its membership is made up of leaders from: business; the university and voluntary sectors; and schools and early years settings. More information>>

GOING TO UNIVERSITY

The government has announced details of new financial help for students from lower income backgrounds. The changes should mean that two thirds of new full-time undergraduates will get a full or partial non-repayable grants compared with just over half now. Find out more>>

SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION

Up to half of secondary schools in some areas are now offering young people a range of sexual health services including free condoms, pregnancy kits and emergency contraception. Further education colleges have also been issued with guidance that recommends they also set up specialist units to provide advice to young people on sexual health issues. Read more>>

A survey by the UK Youth Parliament of over 20,000 young people has revealed that young people are concerned about their sex and relationships education. It found that more than half have never been taught about pregnancy in school and wouldn’t know where to find their local sexual health clinic. Read more>>

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The Make Space Youth Review want to see an ‘inspirational Young People’s Centre in every community’, greater access to intensive help for troubled young people, as well as more involvement by young people in their communities through volunteering and the election of youth mayors. More information>>

RUCKUS

The latest edition of RUCKUS – The NYA’s free, downloadable magazine for young people – is online now. The latest issue carries an exclusive interview with ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star Camilla Dallerup who talks about her plans to get the nation’s youth dancing. We also look at climate change, and take a fun trip around the UK’s theme parks and their ever popular white knuckle rides. Plus reviews, opinions and more. Download RUCKUS here>>

The British Youth Council Convention 2007 offers young people and staff working in youth organisations the opportunity to meet new people, talk about experiences and share ideas. The Convention is held on 29 August to 31 August 2007 at Manchester Metropolitan University in Crewe. The British Youth Council is also looking for volunteer co-ordinators aged 16 - 25 for the convention, offering the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and become a BYC recognised trainer. The closing date for bookings is 10 August 2007 and the closing date for applications for the volunteer co-ordinators roles is 1 August 2007. More information and registration details

HAVE YOUR SAY:

Public Transport

Transport 2000 is running a competition to find out which railway stations are impossible to access by bike, foot, and with a buggy in a bid to show how difficult it can be to get around without a car. The competition will name and shame the worst railway stations and highlight some of the best ones as well. Taking part automatically enters you into a prize draw to win travel vouchers of your choice. The competition runs until 8 August. Take part>>

Technology

YouthNet, the charity behind TheSite, is developing a project to use the web and other new communication technologies to influence your world. TheSite wants to hear your opinions. Can young people create positive change? What does the digital revolution mean for democracy? Here's your chance to say what you think. All those taking part are have a chance of winning a £20 Amazon voucher by completing the survey>>

Being involved

The FYI awards organised by the Democracy Coalition for Children and Young People celebrate politicians who actively involve children and young people in their work. Young people are invited to nominate politicians they think deserve recognition, with the chance of winning a trip to London to present the award. The closing date is 14 September 2007. More information and nomination details