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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.
![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}