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NYA commission survey finds youth work in schools has strong support
Over 90% of people responding to a survey carried out by the National Youth Agency believe that youth work has a role to play in formal education.
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Thousands of young people gaining skills and experience as NYA’s Think Big Social Action Fund programme reaches 500 projects
500 projects and over 1,500 National Citizen Service graduates have so far benefited from the Think Big Social Action Fund, led by the National Youth Agency, in partnership with O2 Telefonica.
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NYA launches campaign to recognise value of youth work
More than one in five Brits devote time to youth work, according to research by the National Youth Agency, which is launching a campaign to help more people understand the contribution youth work makes to society.
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Youth workers could deliver effective sex education in schools say NYA
Youth work in schools could provide an answer to the current debate over how to teach young people about sex and relationships says Fiona Blacke, CEO of the National Youth Agency.
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Charities unite to launch Take Charge movement for young people
Today sees the launch of the Take Charge movement, uniting a group of charities, NYA amongst them, working across the UK to give young people the skills and knowledge to become financially capable, enterprising and also employable.
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Former Children’s Minister to chair independent commission to assess the value of youth work in schools
The National Youth Agency (NYA) today announced it is launching an independent commission to assess the value of youth work within formal education in England and Wales.
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NYA response to Department for Education expenditure figures on expenditure on services for young people.
The latest statistical release from the DfE on local authority expenditure shows a cut to young people services of more than £300 million for 2011-12.
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NYA/LGA 2013 conference resources now available from the Knowledge Hub.
All the publications and presentations released at the NYA/LGA Conference on 16th January 2013 are now available to download from the Knowledge Hub library.
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NYA announces dates for Hear by Right public training courses 2013.
The National Youth Agency runs a series of public Hear by Right training courses to help organisations learn about and improve their approach to young people’s participation.
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Last chance to attend NYA and LGA Annual Conference
Councillors with a responsibility for young people and senior youth service managers only have a few days left to sign up for the free NYA and LGA conference
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Speed Dating Brings Business and Youth Organisations Together
December will see the latest stage in NYA efforts to bring together businesses and youth organisations to leverage new sources of funding and in-kind support into the youth work sector.
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Updated Commissioning Guidance – Can You Help?
The NYA is refreshing its suite of documents that support effective commissioning of services for young people.
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NYA’s News Goes Digital
Last week marked the final National Youth Agency (NYA) double page spread in Children & Young People Now (CYP Now), marking the end of an historical association with the publication and the dawn of a new era for NYA’s communications.
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Institute for Youth Work Ever Closer
Results from the latest consultation into the potential for an Institute for Youth Work have highlighted support from the sector to undertake further development.
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New National Youth Agency Trustee and ETS Chair Appointed
Garath Symonds has been appointed to the National Youth Agency’s (NYA) Board of Trustees and to the position of Chair of the NYA’s Education and Training Standards Committee (ETS)
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Commonwealth Youth Worker Award for Connecting Cultures.
The Director of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Charity for London was presented with the Commonwealth’s Youth Worker Award as part of the National Youth Agency’s Youth Worker Awards 2012.
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Luton Youth Worker Awarded for Dedication to Young People.
A youth worker from Luton has received national recognition for his contribution to the local community after being presented with the National Youth Agency’s Youth Worker Award.
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Speakers named for Youth Work’s Crucial Role Conference
The first speakers for the third free annual NYA and LGA conference have been announced.
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Barclays VIP Visits Young People's Money Management Project
A group of young people from Haringey had the opportunity to showcase an innovative peer education project to senior executives and employees from Barclays
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NYA Gives Insight into Summer Riots
The National Youth Agency has produced a detailed analysis of last summer’s riots.
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First Thematic Briefing Launched on Knowledge Hub
NYA is launching a series of thematic briefings based on learning from the Tailored Support work.
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Youth Work Week Materials Available
The National Youth Agency has launched a batch of materials to support youth organisations and young people in celebrating Youth Work Week this year.
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Project to Develop Local Authority Business Partnerships for Young People
The National Youth Agency, through its Routes to Success programme of work with the Local Government Association, is to map and promote how the business community and local authorities can work together for the benefit of young people
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Have Your Say Now on Potential for Institute for Youth Work
Only two weeks left to have your say on the potential for an Institute for Youth Work. Consultation closes 31st July 2012.
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Improve Young People’s Services through Peer Review and Development
NYA, as part of its Routes to Success programme of work with the Local Government Association, is offering a small number of authorities the chance to engage with its Peer Review and Development programme.
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Youth Work Week Goes Global
Commonwealth joins forces with the National Youth Agency to promote the positive impact of youth work across 54 countries
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Conference to Investigate Youth Work’s Role in Troubled Families Agenda
The NYA & LGA are to hold a FREE one-day conference to provide senior managers with an insight into the role of youth work in the troubled families agenda.
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Debate Continues on Potential for Institute for Youth Work
The debate over a potential Institute for Youth Work is continuing as practitioners explore key issues through a new online forum.
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Government supports decade of social action opportunities for young Britons
The Government will work with the voluntary sector, schools and businesses to support a new generation of socially active and responsible young people, Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd said today.
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National Youth Agency and O2 Think Big to Create NCS Legacy with Social Action Funding
NCS graduates will have the chance to continue their community projects in four regions of England thanks to a Social Action Fund grant awarded to NYA supported by O2 Think Big.
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Consultation Launched to Identify Feasibility of Institute for Youth Work
The youth sector is being asked to provide views on the latest proposals for an Institute for Youth Work (IYW).
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Barclays and Leading Charities Launch Financial Education Campaign
Barclays in partnership with the NYA and consortium of other leading charities have rolled out Barclays Money Skills 'champions'
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NYA Pilots Intensive Practice Placement with DeMontfort University
NYA has partnered with DeMontfort University to pilot an intensive practice placement for its NCS summer programme.
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Commissioning Guidance Supports Elected Member and Young People’s Involvement
The National Youth Agency has completed its series of Commissioning Toolkits with the launch of two new guidance documents
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Tower Hamlets Provide Quality Services to Young People
Services for young people in Tower Hamlets have been awarded the National Youth Agency Quality Mark, in recognition of the fantastic range available to young people. Tower
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NYA Chief Executive Comments on the Report into Last Summer's Riots
The National Youth Agency has welcomed the release of the official report into last summer’s Riots (After the Riots – the final report of the Riots Communities and Victims Panel). Chief Executive Fiona Blacke comments.
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Young people share top money tips with Jack Lopresti MP
Jack Lopresti MP has met a group of inspiring young people to learn about an innovative new money management project in Filton, South Gloucestershire.
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Early Success Story for Youth Financial Capability Project
A teenager, who had previously faced serious problems because of her debts, is one of the early success stories of Barclays Money Skills ‘champions’, an innovative youth
financial capability project. -
NYA Urges Sector to Respond to Government Statutory Guidance Consultation
The NYA has welcomed the launch of the Government’s consultation into its proposed statutory guidance to local authorities and is urging the sector to respond.
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New research into occupational regulation
This is not an NYA survey but we are helping get the information out there - it is for JNC practitioners at both YSW and professional level and employers.
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Sector Views to Inform Commission into Sufficiency
The NYA's Commission into Sufficiency is seeking evidence from the across the youth sector to inform the development of a robust sufficiency model
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NYA to Launch Commission on Youth Service Provision
A commission to determine minimum levels of youth service provision at a local level is to be set up by the National Youth Agency.
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NYA Young Associate Receives MBE
Robyn Keeble, an NYA young associate, is to receive an MBE for services to Community Activism and Youth.
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National Youth Agency Chosen to Help Deliver NCS in 2012
The NYA, in partnership with O2 Think Big and two local delivery agencies, has been selected to run two National Citizen Service (NCS) pilot schemes in Kent and Warrington in 2012.
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First National Awards Recognise Youth Workers’ Community Contributions
The extraordinary contribution of youth workers to their communities was recognised at the first NYA Youth Worker Awards last night.
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Youth Work Week: 31 October - 6 November 2011
During Youth Work Week 2011 Youth Organisations, Youth Workers and Young People are Showcasing How Youth Work Supports Strong Communities
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Consultation on Potential for an Institute for Youth Work Launched
The National Youth Agency, as part of its work with the Catalyst consortium, has launched a consultation to assess the potential for an Institute for Youth Work
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Recognition for First Hear by Right Award Winners
Eight organisations are celebrating after being the first in the country to achieve the National Youth Agency’s Hear by Right Award in recognition of their commitment to young people’s participation in decision making processes.
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Youth Work Week 2011 to Highlight Contribution of Youth Work to Strong Communities
The National Youth Agency has announced the theme for Youth Work Week 2011 as “Youth Work - Bringing Communities Together”.
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National Youth Agency Chief Executive Says Engagement is Key To Finding Cause of Riots
Fiona Blacke, National Youth Agency chief executive has commented on the riots undertaken by young people in cities across the country.
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The Edge Gets a Makeover
The National Youth Agency, as part of its programme of work with the Local Government Group, has re-launched its free publication for elected members after giving it a cutting ‘edge’ makeover.
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Youth Consultation Informs Thames Valley Police’s Approach
Young people from Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire have provided their views on crime, anti-social behaviour and policing through a consultation undertaken by the NYA.
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Award Proves Youth Participation is More Than Just Talk for Leeds City Museum
Leeds City Museum’s commitment to placing young people’s voices at the heart of its operations has been recognised after being named the first to achieve the Hear by Right Award.
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New Publication Spans Generational Divide
The NYA, working with Beth Johnson Foundation, has launched a new publication to showcase youth-led intergenerational activity.
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Over Half of Young People Welcome Staying on in Education - But More Information and Advice is Needed
NYA research has found young people are in favour of plans to increase the age for remaining in education to 18 years old.
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NYA to Provide Route Map to Support Young People’s Services Change Journey
NYA has today launched Routes to Success - a programme of support for young people's services
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School Career Advice Teaches the Right Lesson
Eighty percent of young people value careers advice from schools and teachers, a new NYA study has revealed.
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Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Achieve NYA's Prestigious Participation Award
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has been recognised for its commitment to listen to the views of young people.
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Barclays Launch New Money Management Drive to Help One Million Young People by 2012
Barclays has announced three new youth charity partnerships, including the National Youth Agency, to bridge the financial education gap
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National Recognition for Young People's Leadership - Case Studies Needed!
We are looking for case studies of young people's leadership
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“Select Committee Adviser Appointment will provide a Strong and Powerful Voice for Youth Work”, says National Youth Agency
The NYA has welcomed the appointment of Tom Wylie to specialist adviser for the education select committee.
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Event Launched to Showcase Young People’s Research
An event is to be held to showcase research undertaken by the National Youth Agency’s Young Researcher Network.
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Sector Puts Forward Strong Evidence Base – National Youth Agency Responds to Select Committee Inquiry
NYA chief executive has reinforced the message about an evidence base, following her appearance at the Education Select Committee Inquiry.
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Parents and Carers Key to Information Provision for Young People
Young people value advice and guidance from parents and carers more than any other source, says a new report from the NYA and Local Government Association.
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National Youth Agency to Manage Promotion and Information for Youth in Action Programme
The National Youth Agency (NYA) has secured a contract with the British Council to provide information services and promote the Youth in Action programme in England.
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Cultivating Young Leaders to Bring About Change
A new publication from The Youth of Today reveals how we can cultivate young leaders to take the lead and bring about change.
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New National Youth Agency In-House Training Has Real Benefits for Youth Workers
NYA is offering youth organisations and local authorities the chance to host free in-house training courses.
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National Youth Agency Celebrates Excellent Youth Work at Award Ceremony
The National Youth Agency sponsored The Youth Work Award.
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National Youth Agency Celebrates Excellent Youth Work at Award Ceremony
The National Youth Agency sponsored The Youth Work Award.
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Young Voices.... Mature Views
‘I need someone who REALLY understands my situation.’ Emotional Well Being Report 2010: A National Voice.
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Excellent Youth Work Hits the Headlines for Youth Work Week
Youth organisations nationally showcased the great work they do with young people last week, by taking part in National Youth Work Week.
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New Report Highlights Value of Youth Work
A new report of local authority case studies has been launched to show the value of youth work.
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Research Grants Strengthen People’s Voices
NYA announces the winners of its Young Researchers Network 2010/11 grant programme.
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Mind the Gap - great news from Think Big!
Pop superstar Tulisa and TV legend Larry Lamb launch new campaign to get the generations talking
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Young People Use Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment
Research finds that opportunities provided by volunteering help young people to 'stay ahead of the competition' in the recession-hit labour market.
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Research Reviews Identify Best Practice for Children and Young People
C4EO publish research reviews on youth alcohol consumption, the impact of target youth support and positive activities.
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The Big Adult Society? Or do young people get a look in?
NYA is helping central and local government understand the value of youth work.
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National Youth Agency Stands by IAG Research Findings
NYA responds to comments made about the recently published IAG report.
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Youth Work at the Heart of Good Advice for Young People
A new study conducted by the National Youth Agency on behalf of the LG Association has found that young people value good and timely information, advice and guidance (IAG) when trying to make the right life decisions.
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Youth Work Revealed as Youth Career Choice
More young people are choosing youth work as a career than ever before, a National Youth Agency study has revealed.
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Partnership Promotes Employment Opportunities for Sports Leaders
Sports Leaders UK and NYA working in partnership to deliver a new resource that promotes training and employment in youth work for qualified Sports Leaders.
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Integrated Youth Support Services Reap Better Rewards for Young People
Local authorities feel the development of Integrated Youth Support Services (IYSS) has benefited young people, reveals new research.
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National Youth Agency Statement Re: Simon Beard
Since the arrest of Simon Beard on the 4th May the National Youth Agency (NYA) has worked closely with the Metropolitan Police to support their investigation.
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National Youth Agency Rewards Successful Participation with Young People
Press Release - 2 August 2010
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CYP Now campaign to champion youth services
CYP Now has launched a campaign to highlight the importance of providing services for young people.
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Citizen Service Will Provide More Opportunities says National Youth Agency
The National Youth Agency has welcomed the Coalition Government’s National Citizen Service (NCS), a two month summer programme for 16 year olds.
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New Quality Framework Launched for Integrated Services for Young People
The National Youth Agency has launched a new quality assurance system to help local authorities assess and improve their integrated services.
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Ban on Anti-Child Devices Welcomed by Children and Youth Experts
The National Youth Agency and the Children’s Commissioner for England have welcomed the Council for Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly move to ban Mosquitoes
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Events to Help Open the Book on Young People’s Reading
The National Youth Agency is holding a series of events to create new reading opportunities for young people aged between 14 and 19 who are not engaged in formal education or learning.
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Bill of Rights could strengthen the rights of children, says Children's Rights Alliance for England
In response to the coalition government's announcement to commission an investigation into a British Bill of Rights, the Children’s Rights Alliance for England welcomes this as an opportunity to consider how the Human Rights Act has improved children’s lives and to agree additional protection for children and others.
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Sky News report on Simon Beard
The National Youth Agency (NYA) is shocked to learn of the allegations against former employee and associate Simon Beard.
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![Commonwealth Youth Worker Award for Connecting Cultures.](/<p>The Director of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Charity for London was presented with the Commonwealth’s Youth Worker Award as part of the National Youth Agency’s Youth Worker Awards 2012.</p>
<p>Peter was presented with the award by Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba at an event held at the London headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat on 8 November 2012.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year award 2012 recognised the UK youth worker who best exemplified the theme of ‘Connecting Cultures’, for this year’s Youth Work Week, an annual celebration of youth work organised by the National Youth Agency since 1993.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Through fundraising and the support of partners including the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council and The British Council, Peter has facilitated cultural exchanges for young people, allowing some of them to travel internationally for the first time in their lives.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On receiving his award, Peter said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award. Simply to be shortlisted was wonderful. It is fantastic to see that the work we’ve doing with young people is being recognised by such an important body as the National Youth Agency.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“In these challenging times, allowing young people access to the kind of opportunities they need to develop their understanding of the world can be difficult, but with the support of my team and the organisation as a whole, we’ve been able to continue to do exactly that and make great leaps forward too.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I’d like to thank the NYA and Commonwealth Secretariat for this award and the recognition will help us continue to undertake this work and make a positive difference to the lives of young Londoner in the future.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">NYA’s Youth Worker Award was presented to Luton youth worker Kevin Mullins. Clare Bartlett, a Youth Initiative Officer from Bromford and Donna Harding, a voluntary and community sector youth worker from Middlesbrough were also shortlisted for the awards and presented with highly commended trophies for their commitment to young people in their areas.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The National Youth Agency’s Chief Executive, Fiona Blacke said: “Congratulations to Peter and all our award winners. Great youth workers are paramount to the success of youth work, without which many young people will not be given the opportunity to grow, develop and become full members of society.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The Youth Worker Awards gives us a chance to celebrate and recognise the work of outstanding youth workers. We hope that the awards extend the recognition of youth work, not just for one night, but for every single day. The events of Youth Work Week enable us to demonstrate to policy makers and funders the true value of youth work as an essential form of provision in improving the lives of young people and their communities.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This year, for the first time the NYA has partnered with the Commonwealth Secretariat, making Youth Work Week 2012 a truly international celebration, bringing together 54 countries across six continents.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The campaign aims to highlight the role of front line youth workers in supporting young people and communities across the Commonwealth, to foster positive relationships and a sense of belonging.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mrs Masire-Mwamba said at the awards: “Now is the time to invest in the development of youth workers who will be able to contribute at all levels – in the village and in the national government – setting the polices and strategies, and delivering the programmes, that will make a difference for young people. So I call on governments, stakeholders, development partners, universities and colleges. The socio-economic challenges may be great – but let us agree that you need youth workers who are trained and talented to work and engage our youth.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://www.nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/yww12/NYAAwardsLondon20125.JPEG.jpg" alt="" width="615" height="394" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Peter Fleet (right) recieving his award from Mrs Masire-Mwamba (left).</p>){kind=link}
![Luton Youth Worker Awarded for Dedication to Young People.](/<p style="text-align: justify;"><img style="margin-left: 5px; vertical-align: text-bottom; margin-right: 5px;" src="http://www.nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/yww12/KEVINNYAAwardsLondon20123.JPEG.jpg" alt="" width="555" height="281" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kevin (centre) with last year's winner Candy Huxham (left) and NYA's Cheif Executive, Fiona Blacke (right)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kevin Mullins, a youth worker from Lea Manor Youth Centre, was presented with the Youth Worker Award at an event held at the London headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Marlborough House on 8 November, as part of Youth Work Week 2012.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kevin was nominated by his colleagues and local community for his dedication and extraordinary contribution to the young people in the Luton area. Since starting in his role at Lea Manor Youth Centre in 2009, Kevin has launched initiatives such as the Street Robbery Awareness Project which involved young victims and perpetrators of robberies working together, and The Lea Manor Friendship Scheme, a disability project for 11-25 year olds.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On receiving his award, Kevin said: “It was an amazing day in a beautiful venue. The other finalists and the young people they brought who shared the story and impact of their work were inspirational. Their work has motivated me to try and give even more to my role.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The whole event and experience was incredibly humbling and I was shocked and fit to burst with pride when I was named the winner. I am very lucky to work with some truly inspirational young people and the award I won is for them and my colleagues who have supported me.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Clare Bartlett, a youth worker from Bromford and Donna Harding, a voluntary and community sector youth worker from Middlesbrough were also shortlisted for the awards and presented with highly commended trophies for their dedication to young people in their areas.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Fiona Blacke, National Youth Agency Chief Executive, said: “Congratulations to our award winners. Great youth workers are paramount to the success of youth work, without which many young people will not be given the opportunity to grow, develop and become full members of society.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The Youth Worker Awards gives us a chance to celebrate and recognise the work of outstanding youth workers. We hope that the awards extend the recognition of youth work, not just for one night, but for every single day. The events of Youth Work Week enable us to demonstrate to policy makers and funders the true value of youth work as an essential form of provision in improving the lives of young people and their communities.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Youth Worker Award is part of Youth Work Week, an annual celebration of youth work organised by the National Youth Agency since 1993. This year, for the first time the NYA has partnered with the Commonwealth Secretariat, making it a truly international celebration, bringing together 54 countries across six continents.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In recognition of this partnership, Youth Work Week has adopted the Commonwealth Secretariat’s 2012 theme, Connecting Cultures. The campaign aims to highlight the role of front line youth workers in supporting young people and communities across the Commonwealth, to foster positive relationships and a sense of belonging.</p>){kind=link}
![Youth Work Week Goes Global](/<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Youh Work Week 12" src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/yww12/YWW12web.jpg" alt="YWW 12" width="448" height="141" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Youth Work Week, which runs from 5 – 11 November 2012, will be celebrated across the Commonwealth for the first time this year, following a partnership between England’s National Youth Agency (NYA) and the <a title="Commonwealth Secretariat" href="http://www.thecommonwealth.org/">Commonwealth Secretariat</a>.</p>
<p>The NYA has organised Youth Work Week since 1993, providing an opportunity for youth organisations, youth workers and young people to highlight the value of their work. Youth workers are instrumental to the positive development of young people, ensuring they fulfil their potential and become assets to their societies.</p>
<p>This year, Youth Work Week will adopt the Commonwealth’s 2012 theme: Connecting Cultures, and young people and youth workers from across the Commonwealth will be invited to participate by showcasing the role youth work plays in bringing people together.</p>
<p>Fiona Blacke, Chief Executive of the National Youth Agency, said: “Youth workers transform young people’s lives and Youth Work Week is a great way for organisations and individuals to stand up and tell others about the impact of their work. We are delighted to be partnering with the Commonwealth Secretariat to extend this important campaign in recognition of the brilliant youth work that takes place in its 54 member countries.”</p>
<p>Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General said: “The Commonwealth has a long history of promoting excellence in youth work through its professional development programmes. Our association with the National Youth Agency and Youth Work Week will serve to strengthen our joint commitment to this important vocation.”</p>
<p>Materials to support individuals and organisations in celebrating Youth Work Week are to be launched in July. For further details: <a title="YWW12" href="http://www.nya.org.uk/youth-work-week-2012" target="_blank">Youth Work Week 2012</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Youth Work Week Launch" src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/yww12/yww12launch.JPG" alt="Youth Work Week Launch" width="261" height="174" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>NYA chief executive Fiona Blacke (right) with Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General (left) </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>ENDS</strong></p>
<p>For further media information, contact</p>
<p>The National Youth Agency</p>
<p>Holly-Marie Draper: Tel 07921 687847</p>
<p>Email: hollyd@nya.org.uk</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Commonwealth Secretariat</p>
<p>Victoria Holdsworth: +44 789459 3520</p>
<p>Email: v.holdsworth@commonwealth.int</p>
<p> </p>){kind=link}
 working with De Montfort University (DMU) is pioneering a new intensive kind of practitioner placement for student youth workers linked to the government's flagship National Citizen Service (NCS) programme for 16 year olds.</p>
<p>Around 25 youth work students from the Leicester-based university will be employed by the NYA to work with 16-year-olds on a residential programme this summer for National Citizen Service, which the NYA in partnership with O2, is helping to deliver in Kent and Warrington. The O2 Think Big programme offers young people a summer of fun, friendship, new skills and adventure as part of NCS. With O2 Think Big, these participants will get the chance to develop and deliver a social action project that will transform their local community.</p>
<p>The NYA and DMU have now put steps in place so that five youth work students in their second year will be able to use this experience to formally count as a placement towards their professional qualification.</p>
<p>To get to this stage, the two bodies have had to reach agreements and overcome obstacles in several areas. The university, which has a national reputation for youth work training, has welcomed this opportunity for professional development for its students.</p>
<p>Sarah Hargreaves, Head of Youth, Community and Education Division at DMU, asked the NYA three crunch questions at the outset:</p>
<p>1. Would the DMU students be involved in planning the residential programme?</p>
<p>2. Would they receive appropriate training?</p>
<p>3. What rate of pay would they be given?</p>
<p>“The NYA have been very supportive about meeting our students’ needs,” says Sarah Hargreaves. “The students are interested in substantive roles, and the role that students have been offered is absolutely appropriate.”</p>
<p>She discussed the opportunity with Year Two and Year Three students and held a series of meetings with Andy Callard, the National Programme Manager at the NYA responsible for the O2 Think Big project. Applications from the students were invited, which resulted in a good response, and interviews followed.</p>
<p>While the recruitment process was going on, the NYA – which is the validating body for the university’s youth work courses – raised the question of whether it might be possible to have the placement count as part of the students’ qualification process.</p>
<p>This was an innovative proposal.</p>
<p>De Montfort University has a large number of students going out on placement - the qualification of students as JNC practitioners depends on it – but placements are usually 18 hours per week for 16 weeks, rather than the fortnight of the NCS residential programme. Nor do placements typically take place in the summer when university staff and assessors are likely to be on leave.</p>
<p>“There are quite a lot of challenges,” says Sarah Hargreaves. “It has to be a systematic and consistent standard so we have to look at how this very short two-week programme can contribute to a longer placement. We are looking at how to maximise it.</p>
<p>“NYA and DMU have come up with a sensible economic approach to this in which the practitioners and the JNC qualified staff on the NCS programme will play a key role in supervising and line managing the DMU students, who will do some additional written work as part of their assessment.”</p>
<p>Overcoming these challenges may involve additional costs for the university that the NYA has agreed to underwrite.</p>
<p>The NYA is also providing the accommodation and travel costs for students working on the residential programme. Over two weeks, 800 young people from Kent and Warrington will experience a week of adventure and personal development at a brand new outdoor learning centre in South Yorkshire.</p>
<p>All the participants will have just completed Year 11 and have signed up to O2 Think Big, a pilot programme that is part of the Government’s National Citizen Service. One aspect of the residential will involve supporting participants in developing and delivering their social action projects.</p>
<p>Andy Callard says: “The De Montfort University students will have a significant role to play on the youth work side of the programme that is not being delivered by centre or partner staff.</p>
<p>“For all the DMU students, this will give them significant additional experience but for five of them, we are putting in place supervision by JNC qualified workers who will be able to assess their practice as part of their formal qualification.</p>
<p>“For us, the De Montfort University students are not just filling in gaps but providing a major youth work input to groups of young people over the period of the residential.</p>
<p>“Each group of young people is coming with a practitioner known to them, and the DMU students will be working alongside those practitioners.”</p>
<p>Students will be observing what happens during activities in the day, and in the evening, they will be working with the young people to draw out the learning from what has happened.</p>
<p>The NYA has offered students training to prepare for the programme, which will give them the opportunity to practise a mix of youth work activities, ranging from issue-based discussions to planning and delivering sessions which focus on teamwork and communication skills</p>
<p>The University, which recently celebrated 50 years of running youth work training programmes, has 52 students in Year Two and 73 in Year Three. Some 52 students in Year Three will graduate with a BA (Hons) in Youth and Community development as well as the JNC professional qualification in Youth and Community Work.</p>
<p>Sarah Hargreaves says the NCS placement has benefits for all the students taking part. “It will provide them with a reference,” she says. “It gives them income, encouragement that there is work in this area, and relevant experience.”</p>
<p>Fiona Blacke, NYA Chief Executive, said: "We know there are big concerns in the sector about the future of youth work training and the difficulties universities are having in securing good practice experience for students in the current context. NCS provides a great opportunity for hard-pressed students to get their practice experience whilst earning over the summer.</p>
<p>“It also means that when they qualify they will be able to use their NCS experience on their CVs. At NYA, we have got behind NCS to make it a real and transformational youth work based programme delivered by qualified and skilled youth workers alongside other professionals.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="DMU Students Undertaking Intensive Practice Placement" src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/IMG_0842.JPG" alt="DMU Students Undertaking Intensive Practice Placement" width="405" height="252" /></p>
<p> <strong>The DeMontfort University Year 2 Students Accepted to Work With NYA on NCS Programme<br /></strong></p>
<p>Ends</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For further media information CONTACT</p>
<p>Holly-Marie Draper</p>
<p>Email: hollyd@nya.org.uk</p>
<p>Tel: 07921 687847</p>
<p> </p>){kind=link}
![Young people share top money tips with Jack Lopresti MP](/<p>Jack Lopresti MP has met a group of inspiring young people to learn about an innovative new money management project in Filton, South Gloucestershire. <br /><br />The young people from Independent People have agreed to train to become Barclays Money Skills ‘champions’ as part of a pioneering money management project for 16 to 25 year olds. <br /><br />The Barclays Money Skills ‘champions’ project is designed to build the financial skills of 5,000 young people who are not in education, employment or training, and equip them with the tools to share this information with their peer group. The young people involved receive two days of comprehensive training, as well as resources and ongoing support to help them throughout the project. Through this model the network of 5,000 nationwide ‘champions’ will reach up to 100,000 of their friends and peers.</p>
<p>During his visit, Jack Lopresti MP, spoke to Michael Fautley one of the ‘champions’ and gained an insight into the informal education techniques champions will be using to pass on their knowledge to their peers to improve their financial capability.</p>
<p>Photo: Ruth Davey, <a href="http://www.look-again.org">www.look-again.org</a></p>
<h3><img style="float: left;" title="MP visit" src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/MPvisit.jpg" alt="MP visit" width="376" height="245" /></h3>
<p>Jack Lopresti MP, said:</p>
<p>“It is fantastic to see these young people taking control of their money, and building the skills they need to ensure a secure financial future. It is even more impressive that they are committed to helping their peers</p>
<p>by sharing this information with other young people in similar situations.”</p>
<p><br /><br />Barclays Money Skills ‘champion’, Michael Fautley, explained what it means to have this role:</p>
<p>“I never seemed to have any money left at the end of the month and I knew that I needed to make some changes with how I was managing – but I didn’t know where to start! By becoming a ‘champion’ I have really begun to get myself sorted. I’m feeling in control for the first time, and happy to share what I have learnt with my peers.”</p>
<p><br />The Barclays Money Skills ‘champions’ project is run by Barclays, the National Youth Agency and a number leading youth charities including Rathbone, Citizens Advice Bureau, Youth Access, UK Youth and YouthNet. <br /><br />For further information visit <a href="http://www.barclaysmoneyskills.com/champions">www.barclaysmoneyskills.com/champions</a>. </p>
<h3>Ends</h3>
<p><strong>Notes to the editor</strong><br />Barclays supports a range of innovative money management projects in the UK, such as Barclays Money Skills ‘champions’, through the flagship money management programme Barclays Money Skills. Barclays Money Skills is a national programme that helps young people to develop and improve their financial skills, knowledge and confidence. The programme tackles topics such as opening a bank account, budgeting, saving and spending, and gives practical guidance on what to do when something goes wrong.<br />Read more at: <a href="http://www.barclaysmoneyskills.com">www.barclaysmoneyskills.com</a></p>
<p><strong>1625 Independent People</strong> <br />Independent People is the leading provider of housing, support and advice to young people aged between 16 and 25 in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. We exist to support young people to build independent lives. We do this by helping people find (and keep) a safe, stable home. We also offer non-judgmental support and advice on counselling, training and help finding jobs. No other organisation in the area has the same wealth of experience and resources. There are currently up to 300 young people presenting as homeless to the Local Authority each year (Bristol). </p>
<p>Contact: Pilar Garcia, Funding and Communication Officer <br />Company: 1625 Independent People <a href="http://www.1625ip.co.uk">www.1625ip.co.uk<br /></a>Tel: 0117 317 8825 <br />Fax: 0117 317 8849<br />Email <a href="mailto:pilar.garcia@1625ip.co.uk">pilar.garcia@1625ip.co.uk</a></p>){kind=link}
![First National Awards Recognise Youth Workers’ Community Contributions](/<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Youth Worker Awards 2011" src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/yww11/ywwawards.JPG" alt="Youth Worker Awards 2011" width="329" height="218" /></p>
<p>Young people, Members of Parliament and youth sector leaders came together last night (2 November 2011) to celebrate and recognise youth workers’ extraordinary contribution to communities at the first National Youth Worker Awards.</p>
<p>The event, which was held at the House of Commons, was organised by the National Youth Agency as part of Youth Work Week 2011 (31 October – 6 November 2011) and was hosted by Baroness Tyler, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families Tim Loughton MP and National Youth Agency Chief Executive Fiona Blacke.</p>
<p>Nominations for the awards were made by young people and community leaders through Facebook and Twitter during October and the shortlisted winners were selected by young people and Children and Young People Now Editor Ravi Chandiramani.</p>
<p>Candy Huxham, a youth worker from Hythe and Dibden in the New Forest was awarded Youth Worker of the Year by Baroness Tyler for her outstanding contribution to her local community, working with young people with a diverse range of needs to ensure they have the best opportunities in life.</p>
<p>On receiving the Youth Worker Award, Candy said: “Youth work is what I do. My young people know that they can contact me at any time, with any problem and I will be there for them. I don’t think I am different to any other youth worker though as you do this job because you love it and you know that love drives you to make a difference.”</p>
<p>Qudues Zafar, a youth worker from Birmingham and founder of Stechford Youth Network Limited, and Kim Kyle, leader of an urban youth project in Gateshead, were shortlisted for the Awards and presented with trophies for their dedication to young people in their areas.</p>
<p>Before the award presentations, the audience was given and insight into a diverse range of youth work projects, including St John Ambulance’s Rise and Aspire programmes and Worcester youth radio Youthcomm’s Minifest.</p>
<p>Young people from across England also shared their stories about the transformational difference youth work, and in particular their youth workers, had made to their lives and their communities.</p>
<p>Fiona Blacke, National Youth Agency Chief Executive, said: “Many congratulations to our award winners. Without youth workers there is no youth work, and without youth work many young people will not be given the opportunity to grow, develop and become full members of society.</p>
<p>“The Youth Worker Awards gives us a chance to celebrate and recognise the work of outstanding youth workers. But youth workers shouldn’t just be celebrated tonight, they should be recognised every single day. We believe that by recognising the contribution of great youth workers we can demonstrate to policy makers and funders the true value of youth work, not as a ‘nice to have’ but as an essential form of provision in improving the lives of young people and their communities.”</p>
<p>Youth Work Week has been coordinated by the National Youth Agency since 1993 and is held in the first week of November to provide an opportunity for youth organisations, youth workers and young people engaged in youth work to celebrate the achievements and impact of youth work throughout the UK at a time when budgetary decisions are being made nationally.</p>
<p>In addition to the Youth Worker Awards, this year the National Youth Agency is also organising a round table event on 14 November 2011 for policy makers, youth sector leaders and young people to come together to discuss the value of investing in youth work.</p>
<p>For further information about Youth Work Week and the work of the National Youth Agency visit: <a title="http://www.nya.org.uk/" href="http://www.nya.org.uk/">www.nya.org.uk</a></p>
<p> <img title="Baroness Tyler (center left) Presents Candy Huxham (center right) Qudues Zafar andKim Kyle with the first Youth Worker Awards" src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/yww11/YWWWinners.JPG" alt="Youth Work Week Award Winners With Baroness Tyler" width="564" height="374" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Baroness Tyler (center left) presents Candy Huxham (center right) Qudues Zafar (left) and Kim Kyle (right) with the first Youth Worker Awards </strong></span></p>){kind=link}
![Recognition for First Hear by Right Award Winners](/<p> </p>
<p>Eight organisations are celebrating after being the first in the country to achieve the National Youth Agency’s Hear by Right Award in recognition of their commitment to young people’s participation in decision making processes.</p>
<p>The Award was launched last year to provide organisations that put young people’s voices at the heart of service delivery and development with the opportunity to gain national recognition for their achievements and is evaluated at three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold.</p>
<p>An award ceremony was held at the National Youth Agency offices in Leicester last month, which was attended by:</p>
<p><strong>Gold Award</strong></p>
<p>Limehouse Youth Centre, City Gateway</p>
<p><strong>Silver Award</strong></p>
<p>Medway Youth Trust</p>
<p>Royal Pavilion and Museums, Brighton and Hove</p>
<p><strong>Bronze Award</strong></p>
<p>Leeds City Museum</p>
<p>Museum of London</p>
<p>London Transport Museum</p>
<p>Museums Sheffield<strong> </strong></p>
<p>Middlesbrough Museums</p>
<p>Upon receiving their Gold Award, Darren Wolf Limehouse Youth Centre Director of Strategy, Development and Performance, said: “We are passionate about working in partnership with young people.</p>
<p>“We were already doing great things with our young people, but working towards the Gold Hear by Right Award helped us to be more intentional about their participation. Gaining real recognition for everyone’s work has been an enormously positive thing – especially for our young people, who say they feel they have been recognised for doing lots of work.</p>
<p>Siama Ayiaz, a young person from Limehouse Youth Centre, supported Darren by saying: “We are really proud to have gained this award, and to the be first at this level. There’s always room to learn and when you learn skills you should pass them on, not just keep them to yourself – and that is how we do it at Limehouse.”</p>
<p>Jon Boagey, National Youth Agency Operations Director, added: “Many congratulations to all our Hear by Right Award achievers and we are delighted their hard work in developing services with young people can now be recognised in this way. Embedding youth participation into the development of services is not only best practice, but vital to ensuring provision is relevant to local needs and we hope these organisation’s achievements will inspire others to do the same.”</p>
<p>For further information about the Hear by Right Award contact National Youth Agency Business Development Manager Bob Clifford: <a href="mailto:bobc@nya.org.uk">bobc@nya.org.uk</a> or visit ww.nya.org.uk/hear-by-right-award-scheme</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Limhouse Youth Centre, City Gateway " src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/LimehouseWEB.JPG" alt="Limehouse Youth Centre Receiving Thier Hear By Right Gold Award" width="448" height="298" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Limehouse Youth Centre Receiving Their Hear By Right Gold Award</strong></p>){kind=link}
![Youth Work Week 2011 to Highlight Contribution of Youth Work to Strong Communities](/<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Youth Work Week 2011" src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/yww11/YWW11.jpg" alt="YWW11" width="247" height="132" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>In response to the events of the past few weeks, the National Youth Agency has announced the theme for Youth Work Week 2011 as “Youth Work - Bringing Communities Together”.</p>
<p>Following feedback it had originally been the intention to focus this year’s theme on how youth work supported young people to develop useful skills for employability. However after the riots and disturbances, the National Youth Agency feels there is a need to focus on the impact of front line youth workers in working with young people and communities to foster positive relationships and a sense of belonging.</p>
<p>Fiona Blacke, National Youth Agency chief executive, comments: “This year’s Youth Work Week will be an opportunity to highlight to politicians and decision makers how investment in youth work can address community issues and enable young people to feel they have a stake in society. It will also show how youth workers can support young people to make a positive difference for themselves and others, counteracting the negative perceptions which seem to have been refuelled by the disturbances.</p>
<p>“If ever there was a time to highlight the positive contribution of youth work to healthy and sustainable communities it is now. After the riots I spoke to many service managers in both the voluntary and statutory sectors whose youth work staff had been out on the streets with young people during the week the riots were taking place. In many cases it was the fact that these youth workers had strong and positive relationships with local young people that prevented the riots spreading in to many more communities.</p>
<p>“I also know that young people themselves were active players in preventing further disturbances and in clearing up after the riots. Many of these young people were supported to speak out and take positive action by youth work organisations.</p>
<p>“Whether it’s through street work, brokering relationships with the police, intergenerational projects, supported volunteering and social action, conflict resolution or just providing places to go, things to do and people to speak to, youth work plays a major role in improving lives- without it communities are much the poorer. Let’s really shout about the benefits youth work delivers.”</p>
<p>Youth Work Week will from 31 October – 6 November 2011. A number of materials will be made available from the National Youth Agency website in September to support Youth workers and young people in showcasing their work.</p>
<p>To register your interest in receiving materials, email <a title="mailto:events@nya.org.uk" href="mailto:events@nya.org.uk">events@nya.org.uk</a> </p>){kind=link}
 includes case studies from local authorities that are ‘Doing Things Differently’, an article from Parliamentary Secretary of State for Children and Families, Tim Loughton MP, and an insight into the Department for Education’s Positive for Youth strategy.</p>
<p>Download your copy for FREE from the National Youth Agency <a title="New Look The Edge" href="http://www.nya.org.uk/catalogue/magazines/the-edge-pdf-version" target="_blank"></a>publications library in a <a title="Kindle Format - The Edge 32" href="http://www.nya.org.uk/catalogue/magazines/the-edge-kindle-version">Kindle Format</a> or for <a title="PC, iPad and Android - The Edge 32" href="http://www.nya.org.uk/catalogue/magazines/the-edge-pdf-version">Pc's, iPad and Android</a> or contact <a href="mailto:media@nya.org.uk">media@nya.org.uk</a> to order a hard copy</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="New Look The Edge" src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/Edge.JPG" alt="National Youth Agency New Look The Edge" width="343" height="429" /></p>
<p> </p>){kind=link}
![National Recognition for Young People's Leadership - Case Studies Needed!](/<p><strong></strong> </p>
<p><strong></strong> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/tyotlogo.jpg" alt="Youth of Today logo" width="194" height="126" /></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">National Recognition for Young People’s Leadership</span></strong></p>
<p> The Youth of Today project has identified young people taking significant leadership roles and making a real impact on local decision making. The National Youth Agency would like to profile these young people and their stories to give national recognition to young people’s contributions that have made a local impact</p>
<p>If you know of young people who have been involved in leading, shaping and developing services or have campaigned and challenged decision makers we would like to hear from you. </p>
<p>This comes at a time when many youth services and local youth organisations are under threat and our sector needs to profile the excellent work of young people and demonstrate the role of youth work in enabling this. </p>
<p>The NYA will post a selection of case studies on the Global Optimist website, <a href="http://www.globaloptimists.org/">http://www.globaloptimists.org/</a> we will also give individual certificates to young people recognising their contribution as part of The Youth of Today. </p>
<p>For more information please contact Maxine Green – <a href="mailto:maxineg@nya.org.uk">maxineg@nya.org.uk</a></p>
<p>Or visit our website <a href="http://www.nya.org/">http://www.nya.org</a></p>
<p> </p>){kind=link}
![New National Youth Agency In-House Training Has Real Benefits for Youth Workers](/<h3>PRESS RELEASE <br />23 November 2010<br />IMMEDIATE</h3>
<p>The National Youth Agency is offering youth organisations and local authorities the chance to host free in-house training courses, to help youth professionals gain vital skills in supporting young people to overcome money issues or get out of the ‘benefits trap’.</p>
<p>The highly popular programmes - ‘Money Mastery’ and ‘Money Mastery Meets the Benefits Trap’ courses – are currently running as open events around the country, and are now available to be delivered as in-house events, to give more youth workers the chance to gain training during the recession.</p>
<p>Susan Quinn National Youth Agency National Programme Manager said; “These are tough economic times and we are keen to support youth professionals and local authorities in maintaining their skills, with minimum impact on their organisation’s budgets.</p>
<p>“The Money Mastery programme is in its final year. It has already provided hundreds of youth workers with essential knowledge on how to effectively approach and motivate young people out of debt and off benefits. Through these in-house events we hope to inspire organisations to adopt the skills to help the young people take a different approach to money.”</p>
<p>The first in-house training events were piloted with Southampton City Council and organised through the economic development and regeneration team.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Youth professionals at the Money Mastery event in Southampton." src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/events/moneymastery.jpg" alt="Money Mastery" width="400" height="300" /></p>
<p>Held in June and November, the local authority brought together youth workers, all from different organisations, from across the city to undertake the training.</p>
<p>Jenny Hunt, project officer for economic development and regeneration for Southampton City Council said: “These events have enabled us to bring together different bodies that work across the city to learn together, while sharing their experiences and knowledge of common local issues.</p>
<p>“The training has proved invaluable and we have had fantastic feedback from all the participants on how they have used the skills and knowledge to help Southampton’s young people.”</p>
<p>Youth professionals from Southampton No Limits, a information, advice, counselling and support service for young people aged 11 to 25, attended both courses and added: “The training has equipped us with a portfolio of skills and activities to not only help young people with their money issues, but adapt to other situations.</p>
<p>“The holistic training style focussed on changing young people’s attitudes to life and can be tailored to a variety of scenarios – meaning we can now adopt the practices across all work areas.”</p>
<p>In-house training opportunities are limited and are available on a first-come-first-served basis to any organisation that can provide over 35 participants on the day.</p>
<p>For further information on the content of the events visit the <a title="Money Mastery" href="http://www.nya.org.uk/events/money-mastery-training">Money Mastery pages</a> on the NYA website or call Holly-Marie Draper on 07921 867847</p>
<p><strong>ENDS</strong></p>){kind=link}
![National Youth Agency Celebrates Excellent Youth Work at Award Ceremony](/<h3>News Release <br />19 November 2010</h3>
<p>Members of the National Youth Agency team joined more than 650 youth professionals and young people to celebrate the tremendous work done across the youth sector last night at <a href="http://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/1041894/Winners-Children---Young-People-Awards-2010-announced/">The Children and Young People Now Awards</a>.</p>
<p>Held at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London, over 20 different awards were given out to youth organisations, professionals and young people in recognition of the work they have done to change young people’s lives across the country.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.nya.org.uk/">National Youth Agency</a> sponsored The Youth Work Award, which sought to recognise an initiative that has done the most to promote young people’s personal development through informal education and participation, especially among disadvantaged or excluded groups.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="CYPN Youth Award" src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/cypn.jpg" alt="CYPN Youth Award" width="400" height="300" /></p>
<p>Fiona Blacke, National Youth Agency chief executive, presented the award to <a href="http://www.stoke.gov.uk/ccm/portal/">Stoke-on-Trent City Council</a> for ‘Socca, Rocka, Hoppa’ – an initiative set up by the Council’s youth service that uses a fleet of mobile youth vehicles to target areas where there is a lack of things to do for young people, or where there have been problems with antisocial behaviour.</p>
<p>The vans deliver a range of activities. The Socca van has a flat-pack football pitch, where players make up their own rules and reward skill, flair and sportsmanship. The Rocka is a mobile recording studio and also provides photography and design tuition and the Hoppa is a mobile youth club. They have also added a new van – the Rolla, which is a mobile film studio.</p>
<p>The introduction of these vans has had a significant impact on antisocial behaviour and since being introduced in 2009 there has been a 32 percent decrease across the city, with the most noticeable fall at weekends.</p>
<p>Fiona Blacke commented: “Many congratulations to Stoke-on Trent Council for such a tremendous initiative, which has had a visible impact on young people and the local community as a whole.</p>
<p>“The quality of applications for The Youth Work Award was really high this year. By providing opportunities for every young person to try something new and develop their skills and talents in such an innovative way, this is an exemplar initiative and I know other areas are now looking to at the project as a blueprint for best practice for delivering positive activities.”</p>
<p>S.P.I.D Theatre Company (Specially Produced Innovatively Directed) also received a High Commendation on the night in the Youth Work category for their Affected project.</p>
<p>Three young people from the National Youth Agency Team – Jodie McNamara, Belinda Fumai and Jaede Todner - were young judges for the Awards. They also presented The Extended School Award to Joseph Leckie Community Technology College for their Extended Services Cluster, for the work it has done to engage with the wider community by offering personal, social, sporting and other opportunities to pupils and their families.</p>
<p>ENDS </p>
<p> </p>){kind=link}
![Citizen Service Will Provide More Opportunities says National Youth Agency](/<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://nya.org.uk/dynamic_pictures/fbanddc.jpg" alt="Fiona Blacke with David Cameron" width="376" height="223" /></p>
<p>The National Youth Agency has welcomed the Coalition Government’s National Citizen Service (NCS), a two month summer programme for 16 year olds.</p>
<p>Fiona Blacke, National Youth Agency chief executive, attended the launch event and said:</p>
<p>“The National Citizen Service has the potential to become a landmark for young people in their transition to adulthood. It offers them an exciting set of experiences, including volunteering.</p>
<p>“Volunteering gives young people the chance to make a difference to others and their community - helping them to gain new life experiences and broaden their outlook, while developing their skills and giving them a chance to meet other young people from different backgrounds.</p>
<p>Ms Blacke adds: “The value of the programme will be in the range of experiences it offers young people; mixing with others from different backgrounds and coming together to work on a social action programme together."</p>
<p>"It will be really important to ensure consistency in delivering the programme across the country and quality standards will be critical if the programme is to deliver the kind of experience young people say they want," said Ms Blacke.</p>
<p>“We also expect it will demonstrate to organisations and communities alike the energy and creativity of young people, so that they are seen as an asset to be cherished, rather than a problem to be solved.”</p>
<p>ENDS</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Notes to Editors</strong></p>
<p>• In 2008, just over a quarter (26%) of young people aged 16 to 24 volunteer formally, at least once a month, according to the Citizenship Survey for April – December 2008.</p>
<p><strong>About the National Youth Agency</strong></p>
<p>The National Youth Agency (NYA) works in partnership with a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations to support and improve services for young people. Our particular focus is on youth work and we believe strongly that by investing in young people’s personal and social development, young people are better able to live more active and fulfilling lives.</p>
<p>Working with young people, we advocate for more youth-friendly services and policies. We have four themes:</p>
<p>• Developing quality standards in work with young people<br />• Supporting services for young people<br />• Developing the youth workforce<br />• Promoting positive public perceptions of young people</p>
<p>We deliver our work through training and consultancy, campaigning, publishing and on-line communications. Through our activities we want to ensure that young people have a strong voice and positive influence in our society.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nya.org.uk/">www.nya.org.uk</a></p>){kind=link}