The National Youth Agency - In the Know

In the Know - Issue 3, June 2007

HAVE YOUR SAY ON YOUTH FACILITIES

The government has published its proposals for using money from dormant bank accounts (accounts that haven’t been used in 15 years) to fund youth facilities - particularly new premises, improve young people’s financial knowledge, and give more money to charities. It wants to find out what you think about the activities in your area – what’s on offer, what would you prefer? It has designed an online survey for you to add your comments to. Deadline for responses is 2 July 2007. Find out more>>

Also of interest...

TAKE ACTION

The Children's Commissioner for England, Sir Al Aynsley-Green, has called on government, local authorities, business, charities, schools and the media to invite children and young people to take over their organisations for one day during 11 MILLION Takeover Day to be held on 23 November. The NYA has already signed up to the event. Tom Wylie, chief executive of the NYA, said ‘The NYA is thrilled to be signed up to the 11MILLION Takeover Day and encourages all who work with and for young people to sign up.’ Find out more>>

BECOME A TRUSTEE

The British Youth Council is looking for five young people between 18-26 to join their trustee board and an additional two trustees to take up the roles of vice chair campaigns and vice chair citizenship and development. Ideally the young people will bring knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas: youth organisations, campaigning, strategic planning, marketing, fundraising and finance, legal matters, social policy or communications. Find out more>>

SPEAK OUT ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Children and young people are being given the opportunity to speak out on domestic violence. Kid Speak, part of the domestic violence charity Women’s Aid, is running a month long online consultation in June where young people can share their views and ask questions of MPs, police officers and other agencies involved in helping those affected by domestic violence. Find out more>>

USING THE INTERNET

A national survey has revealed young people’s wish-list for online services. 14-18 year olds want to be able to use the internet as a tool to improve themselves, take virtual tours of colleges and universities and have virtual driving lessons. One in eight wants to earn money online using their skills, and one in ten - rising to one in six boys - wanted to be able to learn trade skills such as mechanics or plumbing to help gain qualifications. Find out more>>

YOUNG PEOPLE AND FRIENDSHIPS

Early research findings comparing the experiences and views of teenagers in 1986 and 2006 reveal that close friendships among young people appear to be declining. The Good Childhood Inquiry, a two-year investigation of modern childhood reveals that the proportion who say they have no best friend they can trust has risen from 13% to 18%. Find out more>>

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

A new website to make traveling by public transport easier for young disabled people has gone live as part of a new campaign by the Disability Rights Commission. GOJO is for the thousands of young disabled people (between 16-25 years old) who have difficulties or fears using public transport. The GOJO website>> is packed with useful information, such as journey planners, information on local services and help on what to do if the journey doesn’t go as planned

YOUNG BANDS WANTED

Youth Music and Royal Albert Hall Education are supporting a Peace One Day – One Song’ music initiative for young people. They are looking for young groups (bands, choirs or any kind of music collective in the UK) whose performing members are all aged 11-18. Groups must come up with an original composition using ‘Peace One Day’ as its inspiration. 10 shortlisted groups will perform at the Royal Albert Hall in September in front of a panel of music experts. Find out more>>

COMPETITION

The Lord Speaker and the Hansard Society have joined forces to run an essay competition for 16-18 year olds with the first prize an all-expenses paid trip to Westminster to meet the Lord Speaker, Baroness Hayman. The winner will shadow her for a day, learning exactly how Parliament works, as well as receiving a prize of £150. Entrants should submit an essay of no more than 750 words entitled ‘first class second chamber: the challenges and merits of an Upper House’. The closing date is June 25, 2007. Find out more>>

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

A new website designed to help children and young people find out about their rights has been launched. It shows how to get involved both locally and nationally in protecting children’s rights, and to push for real change. You can get involved by contributing to online surveys, posting messages and by becoming local children’s rights champions. Find out more>>

LOOKING FOR FUNDING?

There is still a chance to apply for funding from Save the Children’s latest round of the ‘here to HELP’ awards. They will provide up to £1,000 to fund projects and activities that help children and young people who are excluded and isolated. Projects should relate to one of the following themes: poverty, health, education and safety/protection Projects must take place between September – December 07. Deadline for applications is Friday 22^nd June. Find out more>>

Funding of £250 - £5,000 is available for entrepreneurial young people who have great ideas and who want to make a difference. The Sport Relief awards are available for 11-21 year olds to bring communities together, to help them promote understanding and solve conflict through sport and being active. Find out more>>

Over £940,000 has been awarded in the second round of Mediabox grants for youth media projects, such as films, radio shows and podcasts, photography, journalism, new media and games. Grants range from £500 up to £80,000. The next application deadline is July 17, and small grants of up to £1,000, can be applied for at any time. Find out more>>