Bulletin 20 November 2009

New Professional Development Opportunity with Durham University
Responding to the shift to Degree level qualifications in the social care and welfare sector, Durham University’s Department of Applied Social Sciences and Foundation Centre have developed an exciting and unique programme of study.

The Bridging to Masters Programme leads to a Graduate Certificate in Community and Youth Work. It is specifically designed to facilitate entry to MA level study for practitioners and managers with substantial experience who have been out of formal education for some time and/or whose current qualifications are not at degree level. This unique programme offers an attractive opportunity to gain entry to a higher level qualification commensurate with skill and experience.

Delivered half a day a week, starting in January and ending in June, the Bridging to Masters Programme is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they require for postgraduate learning. Successful completion of the programme entitles students to progress directly to the MA Community & Youth Work (with professional qualification) and the MA Managing Community Practice, both of which are available over 12 months full-time, or 24 months part time.

If you would like to learn more about this outstanding professional development opportunity then please contact us on 0191 3341502, or visit our website at www.dur.ac.uk/foundation.centre/community.

UK Youth Events
UK Youths New Level 2 Peer Qualifications
UK Youth have developed 4 new qualifications, a level 2 Peer Education Award and Certificate, and a level 2 Peer Mentoring Award and Certificate which are to be launched from January 2010.
UK Youth first launched its BTEC qualifications in Peer Education and Peer Mentoring in 2004. The feedback from deliverers and learners was that the BTECs needed updating and changing. Taking into account this feedback, these programmes have now been reviewed and rewritten to accommodate the changes and become units that conform to the Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF).
The four new qualifications
•         Level 2 Award in Peer Education (70hrs)
•         Level 2 Certificate in Peer Education (130hrs)
•         Level 2 Award in Peer Mentoring (70hrs) show
•         Level 2 Certificate in Peer Mentoring (130hrs)

All of the qualifications are open to young people aged 14 years and above. All qualifications are made up of mandatory units and optional units.

The units that make up the Awards define the essential knowledge, understanding and practical skills required of a competent peer educator or peer mentor.

The units that make up the Certificate builds on the Award by providing additional opportunities to address development needs which are specific to particular sections of this diverse area.

These new qualifications are intended to provide added creditability to peer education and peer mentoring through recognition of the valuable role it plays in non-formal teaching and learning.

These qualifications will support career progression both in general terms and in within the area of learning support and progression into other related roles.

Regional Events to Showcase Peer Work And Launch
UK Youth’s New Level 2 Peer Qualifications
These new qualifications are to be launched through a number of half day events around the country. These events will not only give workers an overview of the new qualifications but will also highlight the positive impact peer mentoring and peer education has on young people. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to young people and workers discussing their experiences and showcasing their work

Dates of Launch Events:

- Monday 18th January 2010 – Bristol
- Wednesday 20th January 2010 – Birmingham
- Tuesday 26th January 2010 – Durham
- Wednesday 27th January 2010 – London
- Monday 1st February 2010  – Liverpool

These launch events are aimed at workers and managers who support young people aged 14 plus that are engaged in  peer education and peer mentoring projects

In the meantime, should you/your colleagues wish to attend, please download the booking form from the following link http://www.ukyouth.org/whatwedo/conferences.htm  or request a booking form by sending an email to charmaine@ukyouth.org

EHRC North East Capacity Development Project
Iftikhar Hussain, EHRC Coordinator, is coordinating an Equality & Human Rights Commission’s funded project exploring and developing the capacity of grassroots organizations to establish and build stronger relationships between young people from host communities and new arrivals/BME communities in Tees Valley. The project is being managed by the North of England Refugee Service and the Regional Refugee Forum.

He is currently developing a database/network on organizations that have been involved in or are proposing to develop good relations and integration work, with young people from host communities and new arrivals/BME communities.

It is hoped that this database will form the foundation for a sub-regional network, which contributing partners can utilize for future cross sector funding and planning work.

Please complete and return the attached questionnaire to Iftikhar at i.hussain@refugee.org.uk.
Contact details for further questions i.hussain@refugee.org.uk or 01642 217 447

Bulletin 13 November 2009

Listening to Children: Research and Consultation 2010

* Open for enrolment now *

‘Listening to Children: Research and Consultation 2010′ is an advanced training course designed for people who want to improve their skills in research and consultation with children and young people.

The course involves a combination of online learning and classroom sessions covering a range of topics from creative methods to ethical issues and dissemination practices. Based at the University of Edinburgh, the course is running from 25th January 2010 until 1st April 2010. There are two two day sessions at the University of Edinburgh on 28th and 29th January and 4th and 5th March.

Practical details are as follows:
-  4 classroom sessions combining expert speakers, group discussions and practical activities at the University of Edinburgh (taking place on 28th/29th January and 4th/5th March 2010).
- 10 weeks online discussion providing opportunity for further engagement with the course topics, ongoing contact with others and the sharing of ideas, resources and experiences with other participants and an online tutor – internet access required.
- Aimed at those with a grounding in social research who want to apply and develop these skills in relation to a range of research and consultation methods to use with children and young people. We welcome applicants from either a practical ‘participation’ or academic background.
- Course fee £750 (£850 if you wish to study for credit).
- Resources made available include a bespoke website and the new book Researching with Children and Young People: Research Design, Methods and Analysis (2008, London: Sage). Authored by recent and current contributors to our CPD course, the book contains:

*5 core chapters: introducing research with children and young people, ethics, data collection and analysis, involving children and young people, and dissemination and engagement
*11 case studies describing the methods used in research projects involving children and young people. Written by both academics and practitioners, the case studies cover a wide variety of methods, settings and approaches.
*Group work toolkit
*Activities, discussion questions, top tips, research tools, useful suggestions and practical advice.

Further information and booking form at http://www.crfr.ac.uk/cpd/listeningtochildren/index.html

*New for 2010* Additional course: Digital Technology and Research with Children and Young People 13th and 14th May 2010 Course fee for 2010 £250 Participants who sign up to both courses will be eligible for a discount of £75.

To book your place or for further information, please contact: k.dunne@ed.ac.uk

High Force Centre – Special Deals

Nov 09-Feb 10
Looking for a venue with a difference?
We can accommodate 28 people at any one time
Hire the High Force Activity Centre at £200 per 24 hour during the winter months 2009.
• Youth groups wanting to get together to do some planning and workshops for the year ahead.
• School to work on various curriculum topics/ revision etc
• Whether you are a student or a large family looking at getting together for a special occasion, reunion etc
• Organisations wanting to get together to do some business planning.
• Christmas party with a difference
• Training venue
• Accommodation in the main house comprises of 3 x 6 bed dormitories and 1 x 8 bed dormitory plus 1 x 2 beds with en-suite.
• Situated in an area of Outstanding Beauty, North Pennines, 2 miles from the High Force Waterfall.
• Lots of Beautiful walks and sites to see.
• Ash Gyll- Fantastic for Gorge walking, 10 minutes drive from the centre.
• Ski Slopes 10 minutes drive, with button lifts at Harewood.
• Games room on site with pool table, karaoke, Bar football
• We can arrange events and outdoor pursuits. we use specialised outdoor Instructors who are AALA registered. (Adventure, Activities Licensing Authority)
• Competitive prices- minibus hire
• Minibus Hire

All prices Exclude VAT

For more information please contact Vivienne Bailey on 01325 246146 or 07912211778
Or e-mail vivian@ddyca.co.uk www.highforcecentre.org.uk or www.ddyca.co.uk

Are You in the Know?

Are you in the know about Equality and Diversity and how it impacts on your business?
This is your invite to a workshop exploring what commitment to Equality & Diversity really means, providing an opportunity for you to develop your understanding of the legislation, processes and procedures which underpin performance.
The role of business leaders is paramount in demonstrating commitment to Equality and Diversity, playing an important part in recruiting the best people, retaining valuable staff and winning new business.
Book early to ensure your FREE place, complete the online booking form and select your chosen workshop. Get in the know and join us at one of the following venues (please note the date and time)…
1. Monday 23rd November, St George Hotel, Durham Tees Valley Airport, 8.30-11am
2. Monday 23rd November, Durham Marriott Hotel, County Durham, 3.30-6pm
3. Wednesday 25th November, Beaumont Hotel, Hexham, 3.30-6pm
4. Friday 27th November, National Glass Centre, Sunderland, 8.30-11am
5. Tuesday 1st December, Alnwick Gardens, Northumberland, 8.30-11am
6. Tuesday 1st December, NewcastleGateshead Hilton Hotel, 3.30-6pm
7. Thursday 3rd December, Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, 8.30-11am
8. Thursday 3rd December, The Wynyard Rooms, Billingham, 3.30-6pm

Click here to complete the online booking form.

If you have any problems accessing this form please contact Katherine Aitken.
Tel: 07895 033 391
Email: info@actpositive.co.uk

Young Unltd: Youth Leadership Team

UnLtd is currently looking for young people aged 16-25 who would like the opportunity to join one of our Youth Leadership Teams, working with Young UnLtd in preparation of launching an exciting new national programme.

The opportunity offered is to play a key role in a programme which aims to engage over 20,000 young people across England, with a budget of £5 million pounds across 5 years.

The programme gives young people the opportunity to help themselves by helping others through their own entrepreneurial projects. By acting in a socially entrepreneurial way, young people can transform the way they are seen.

As part of the YLT you’ll gain a range of new skills and experience, deciding which young people will benefit from the money as well as taking charge of promoting the entire programme and reaching out to young people to take part. It is entirely youth lead and you will be working as part of a team with other young people throughout the year.

This is your chance to get directly involved, have your say and put your own mark on a transformational project that will reach out to thousands of people and change young peoples’ lives.

The conclusion of the work will form guidelines of how to engage with young people which will be distributed to over a thousand major services and brands. The work you have helped produce will ultimately help to change the negative perceptions of young people.

So if you are eager to become a young leader or can recommend a young person to be involved in the programme please contact Joanne Rich

Bulletin 6 November 2009

ITV Fixers

An exciting opportunity is becoming available to young people in the Tyne Tees Region. ITV Fixers is a major media campaign supporting young people (aged 16 – 25) to take action on any issue they feel strongly about – raising awareness and changing things for the better. It is a charity funded project backed by ITV aimed at giving young people a voice.

ITV Fixers will work with young people who want to speak out, to create their ‘fix’, their campaign, whether it be making leaflets to raise awareness of an issue, an education pack, a short film, an event, a piece of art work, virtually ANYTHING as long as it benefits others in some way. The idea must be championed and driven by a young person or a group of young people rather than by adults. Projects need to be clearly distinguishable as an ITV Fixers project insofar as they should be new or at least a completely new dimension to an existing project (initiated through and made possible because of ITV Fixers). They will offer support to “fixers” the whole way through with our dedicated Young People’s Co-Ordinators for the projects and Creative Resources Team who have relevant skills and are employed specifically for this purpose.

All ITV Fixers projects are highlighted online, and some might potentially (if the young people wished) be featured on television within ITV’s regional news programmes. These ITV broadcast features are unique as the young people narrate their own stories. The scheme has already been running in the south of England very successfully. To see some of the projects that have already been carried out by young people you can go to the website www.itvfixers.com . A number of issues and subjects have been covered so far in the south. Although it would be best to see new issue ideas there is no reason why young people might not address similar issues to those that have already been featured.

There is no application or pitching process for the scheme – it is open to all and they can offer project expenses. The Project Coordinators employed by ITV Fixers can give long or short term support to the young people (the fixers) who will take ownership for their own project. They are particularly keen to get a wide cross section of young people involved.

Young people can discuss ideas and get back to them and they can help shape their projects. There is no formal application process or pitch to complete, it’s just a case of getting in touch and talking it through. It is a great opportunity for young people to take action on an issue and feel empowered.

If you have a group of young people you think might be interested or would like to discuss the project further we may potentially be able to visit to talk it through. You can contact Lindsey Hendry by email lindsey@itvfixers.com, by phone 0191 3506256 or mobile 07855212506.

World Forum to Promote Active Participation

An International Forum will be organised next February to promote all forms of active participation by young people.

The forum will bring together 50 young people aged 18-30 already involved in the theme of “global emergency”. On the programme: inputs from experts on 6 different topics followed by group discussions but also creative workshops using writing, theatre and image.

Workshops will be bilingual, French/English, and in some cases, Spanish as well.
Nevertheless, the first language will be French with trainers proposing different methods and means by which participants can work together to express ideas and communicate in English and Spanish too.

More information

Youth Council for Newcastle

An opportunity for organisations to bid to run a Youth Council for Newcastle, click here

Bulletin 22 October 2009

After-School Study Programme & Young Writers Club at Millin Centre, Benwell
After-School Study Programme
Exam preparation Maths, English, Sciences
GCSE & A-level
Help with Homework and Assignments
One-to-One tuition in other subjects can be arranged
Tutors are student volunteers from the University of Newcastle & Northumbria
(all involved have been CRB-checked)

Starting Monday 28th September 2009
Every Monday & Wednesday 5:30-7:00p.m.

Young Writer’s Club
For children & young people (8 – 13 years)
Write your own short story
Improve your English writing skills
Run by student volunteers from the University of Newcastle & Northumbria (all have been CRB-checked)

Starting Monday 28th September 2009
Every Monday & Wednesday 5:30-7:00 p.m.

At the Millin Centre, 160-4 Ellesmere Road, Benwell, NE4 8TR
0191/2725115 or Caroline Afolabi on 07930469198

Contribution of £1.50 per session

Community Grants in the North East
The Learn North East Community Grants Programme will provide grants of up to £12000 to small, third sector voluntary and community organisations to engage with local communities to deliver a range of skills and employment support activities. Grants will also be available to assist organisations to build their own capactiyy and to enhance their services to support local residents.

For an application pack contact: Hartlepool Adult Education, Municipal Buildings, Upper Church Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7EQ Tel: 01429 868616, Fax: 01429 891673 Email: adult.education@hartlepool.gov.uk

Available to organisations in the following local authority areas:
Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees and Sunderland

From Non-Formal Education to Living Learning
Generating valuable learning experiences within youth in action
11 to 16 January 2010 – De Glind – netherlands
This training is a response to the need for a better understanding and better use of “non-formal” education activities in the framework of the Youth In Action Programme.

In this training we want to focus on Living Learning (the positive synonym for non-formal learning), explore how young people and youthworkers learn through Youth in Action projects and optimize the learning process. Some of the questions we set out to answer are:
•    How can these activities be better prepared and carried out in order to achieve the highest learning outcomes and the biggest impact?
•    How can we support learning from new, unusual and not anticipated situations?
•    How can we create situations in which the participants feel that their desire to learn and their burning questions are valued?

This training will also explore the impact of living learning and its importance in our fast changing world.

For more information contact Selina at the Unit.

The North East Child Poverty Coalition

In the North East, an estimated 165,000 children are living below the poverty line.  Too many families are facing a daily struggle to ensure their children have the opportunities to reach their full potential.  At a time when the government, with cross-party support, has committed to eradicate child poverty by 2020 our current position should give us real cause for concern. The Child Poverty Bill places a duty on all local public bodies to have regard to child poverty when exercising their functions. This will require all local authorities and local partners to understand their role in tackling child poverty and to take this into account in planning and carrying out their mainstream activities.

In recognition of the scale and scope of the problem a regional coalition has already been established. This group is drawn from across all parts of the public sector, the unions, third sector and key interest groups[i]. This group will lead and champion our vision of taking this region from one of the worst places for large numbers of children to grow up to one of the best.

Local authorities across the region have identified child poverty as a priority for action and there is strong political commitment as shown through the Association of North East Councils Task and Finish Group. Reducing the multi-dimensional impact that child poverty has on the region’s families requires the alignment of both social and economic strategies, which this broad based coalition can help to facilitate.

The coalition has three long-term goals:

• Reducing the numbers of families with children whose incomes fall below the level  where an acceptable quality of life is possible;
• Developing interventions to reduce the broader impact of poor incomes and material deprivation on children’s well-being in terms of health, housing, education and environment;
• Ensuring those families and children who are experiencing the negative impacts of poverty are supported to undo the damage and build resilience.

A North East Child Poverty Champion and Coordinator[ii] have been appointed to engage with national and regional leaders and decision makers to raise awareness and understanding of child poverty in the region. They are working closely with the coalition to identify and promote the key activities needed to reduce and eventually eradicate child poverty in the North East.

[i] Current membership: Association of North East Councils, Children England, Directors of Children’s Services, Durham University, Government Office for the North East, Homes and Community Agency, Jobcentre Plus, Learning and Skills Council Tyne and Wear, National Energy Action, Newcastle City Council (Child Poverty Beacon), Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, ONE North East, Public Health North East, TUC, Schools North East.

[ii] North East Child Poverty Champion – Sue Stirling; North East Child Poverty Coordinator – Carol Nevison