Bulletin 18 February 2011

Livity works with Google on a new competition Young Minds

It’s a competition to find the pioneers, change-makers and leaders of tomorrow to take their place alongside the greatest minds and innovators of today at Google’s Zeitgeist 2011 event near London on May 15th – 17th.
They are looking for 18-24 year olds across Europe, the Middle East and Africa who are making a positive impact in their communities and the world, by asking them to upload short (60 secs) YouTube videos at www.zeitgeistyoungminds.com.
The winners will be invited to attend Google’s annual Zeitgeist event - http://www.zeitgeistminds.com/ at The Grove, a huge, sprawling estate (it’s gorgeous) just outside of London. The Google Zeitgeist conference is basically a forum for leading world thinkers, entrepreneurs, politicians and also pro-active celebrities to talk about the things they’re working on and doing around the world. Previous speakers have included Boris Johnson, Richard Branson, Desmond Tutu and Will I Am. This year the young people will get the chance to speak at the UK event, meet the special guest speakers and take part in bespoke masterclasses taught by Google.

The Don’t Hate Participate youth group

The Don’t Hate Participate youth group at the North of England Refugee Service are holding an event on Wednesday 2nd March (@ the International Centre, 7 Abingdon Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2DP on 6-9pm), to celebrate the work that the group of young people have been doing to address Violent Extremism, in their communities.
The aim of the event is to:

• Gather a range of views (adults & young people) on how to tackle extremism in our communities and how to prevent young people being targeted by extremists and extremist ideologies.
• Show case local musical talent, demonstrating the diverse and multicultural nature of our communities.
• Networking with like minded people
• Promote/ share good practise

For more information about the event or to confirm attendance please contact Nick Butler at the North of England Refugee Service by ringing 01642 217447 or emailing nick@refugee.org.uk.
Deadline for reply slips is the 25th February 2011

Northumberland Clubs for Young People (NCYP) Young People’s Got Talent Event 12^th March 2011

The Talent Stars, a group of young people aged 10 – 21 years old, supported by Northumberland Clubs for Young People, are proud to present the 2011 Young People’s Got Talent Event. The event will take place on 12th March 2011, 2pm – 5pm, at Murray House.
If you work in direct contact with any young people aged 11 – 19 then they would very much appreciate it if you can please make them aware of this event and if they would like to participate to contact Louise Clark on
Louise@ncyp.org.uk or 0191 272749

FREE Young People’s Health Performances

Theatre Pie is a young women’s drama group based in Newcastle who have created an original DVD and pieces of Theatre which explore issues that may affect young people’s health.
The issues will include; Eating Distress, OCD, Self Harm, Domestic Violence and Teenage Pregnancy.
Date:Friday 25th February
Times: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Venue: Newcastle Central Library (Bewick Hall)
For a free place call Maria Lavelle on (0191) 2619923 or email maria.lavelle@themwifies.org.uk

Two separate free workshop delivered by Funding Information North East

3 March 2011   9.30 – 1 pm at The Greenhouse, Greencroft Industrial Park, Anfield Plain, Stanley, County Durham.  DH9 7XN
10 March 2011   9.30 – 1 pm at Sunderland Voluntary Sector, Youth Forum (SVSYF), Havelock Civic Buildings, Hylton Road, Sunderland,SR4 8AH.
The workshops will examine why quality assurance is important for children and young people’s organisations.
Please note: The session in Sunderland is predominantly for Tyne & Wear organisations due to funding restrictions.

Bulletin 11 February 2011

FREE development opportunity for Music Leaders and Youth Workers in Tees Valley

The Sage Gateshead is leading on the delivery of a development opportunity for music leaders and youth workers in the Tees Valley area. REFLECT Lab co-mentoring (devised and led by The Sage Gateshead) is a dynamic, collaborative learning process for people across sectors.
It enriches practice and offers valuable time and space for creative thinking. Co-mentors have shared values, explored different points of view, and re-focused their work as a direct consequence of exploring their own creative practice. Co-mentors will attend a training day at the start of the twelve month programme, meet for two to three hours at least five times over the programme, and attend a development day and a final sharing event.
The initial training day will take place on Thursday, 24th March 2011 in Middlesbrough.
For more information and application form, please see attached documents.  The information is also accessible via the MusicLeader North East website at http://www.musicleader.net/trainingcourses_details.asp?TPID=4211

Regional Youth Summit and Workshops

Aimed at 11-19 year olds who want to play an active part in learning from the lessons of the past and to use their voices to create a safer, better future for young people in the North East.

Friday, 11th March 2011
10am – 3.30pm
Northumbria University
Students Union Building
Newcastle Campus
Newcastle upon Tyne

BOOK NOW

Call Doug on 0191 226 7330/07908 276118 or email doug.hallam@ukyouthparliament.org.uk
Organised by the young people of: UKYP (North East) supported by Northumbria Student Union Volunteers

One-day Accredited Course

Creating Safety: child protection and youth arts – 12th May 2011, 10 am- 4.15 pm
Evaluating Youth Arts Projects – 7th July 2011, 10 am- 4.15 pm
Putting Young People at the Core of Youth Arts - 17th October 2011, 10 am- 4.15 pm
For more information on a course, or to book a place please contact the Artsplan Team – 02380 682535 / artsplan@artswork.org.uk.

Brathay Funding Beats Economic Gloom

PLACES STILL AVAILABLE – SAVE £1000′s!
FREE Funding To Subsidise The Ultimate Residential Programmes For Disadvantaged Young People
Are you struggling to raise funds?
Brathay has funding available to assist your group to access a challenging, experiential, outdoor residential programme in a stunning location in the heart of the Lake District at Ambleside.
Economically disadvantaged, at risk, young people, can access:

• A powerful personal development experience in an awe inspiring environment
• Programmes designed and delivered by world class professionals who specialise in accelerating the development of young people
• A wide range of life changing learning opportunities which include harnessing the power of the outdoors (GHYLL scrambling, Climbing Wall, Mountain Walking, Canoeing,Whaling Boats, Zip Wire, Pamper Pole, Abseiling) supported by more creative activities to reveal the potential of every young person

Suitable for vulnerable and excluded groups and designed and developed in partnership with your organisation.
Outcomes

• Children and young people learn how to fulfil their potential
• Meet your targets efficiently and effectively
• Deliver projects within your budget
• Raises the aspirations of young people

Great Fun & Great Food
Funding allocated on a first-come first-served basis – don’t miss out
Please email or ring at your earliest convenience if you would like further information in relation to this opportunity – Telephone: 0844 225 3100, Email: brathay@brathay.org.uk,  Website: www.brathay.org.uk

Somewhereto Hits the North East

Bulletin 4 February 2011

Cultural Innovation Fund Deadline – One Week to go…

Don’t miss your chance to receive between £10,000 and £25,000 of funding support to deliver a cultural project in collaboration with young people.
NE-Generation is looking for up and coming cultural practitioners who are passionate about participation and committed to culture.

Ideas Deadline 12pm on Friday 11 February 2011.
For more information contact on anna@rywu.org.uk or 0191 4404410

Truth About Youth Annual Report

A great read! Accessible in the Truth About Youth or Featured Articles section of this website.
Please feel free to contact either Natalie Phillips natalie@rywu.org.uk or Laura Iveson laura@rywu.org.uk if you require any further information about the project.

Quality Mark

Think your business deserves a quality mark?
More information available from Truth About Youth or contact Laura Iveson laura@rywu.org.uk

The Aspen CULTURE PROJECT National Conference

8th March 2011 10.00am – 16.30pm
Discovery Museum
Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tyne and Wear, NE1 4JA.

The Aspen Culture Project aims at finding creative ways of overcoming inequalities of women to access, engage with and contribute to the local culture, arts and heritage.
This FREE conference is a culmination of 15 months of events, research, group and volunteer work with women from diverse backgrounds. It aims to promote awareness of the advantages that sharing culture can bring and to address cultural inequalities in the North East.
We are proud to have as guests and speakers on the conference day Dr JUNG CHANG, author of the world best seller Wild Swans and SIRKKA-LIISA KONTTINEN author of the photographic book Byker Revisited on Byker Estate in Newcastle.
This conference will benefit organisations and individuals with an interest in migrant and refugee issues with a particular focus on themes of arts and heritage, social cohesion and gender equality.

BOOK NOW

For all enquiries:
North Of England Refugee Service
2 Jesmond Road West
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4PQ

Stepping into Quality – Training Events

Two separate free workshop delivered by Funding Information North East will be held on:
3 March 2011   9.30 – 1 pm at The Greenhouse, Greencroft Industrial Park, Anfield Plain, Stanley, County Durham.  DH9 7XN

10 March 2011   9.30 – 1 pm at Sunderland Voluntary Sector, Youth Forum (SVSYF),
Havelock Civic Buildings, Hylton Road, Sunderland,SR4 8AH.

The workshops will examine why quality assurance is important for children and young people’s organisations.
Please note: The session in Sunderland is predominantly for Tyne & Wear organisations due to funding restrictions.

RightSpace – National Event

Children and young people have human rights which are not always respected. Do you want an opportunity to find out how to effectively promote children’s human rights?
Do you invest in children and young people?
Are you looking to embed and develop the best policy and practice in this time of economic and political change?

Tuesday 19^th April 2011,  10am – 4pm

Guest Speaker,
Dr. Maggie Atkinson
Children’s Commissioner for England
For details of full programme and booking information contact Felicity Shenton at the liC office: 0191 36 v7485

Children’s workforce delelopment conference

Do you know the difference between grant funding and contracts? Can you measure the impact of your provision? What will Social Impact Bonds mean to you?

If not come along to our free event on;

Friday 11th February 2011 at The Assembly Rooms, Westgate Road,  Newcastle upon Tyne.
Starting at 9.30 – finishing by 12.30, With free lunch and networking.

Free training for the Children’s Workforce

The training delivered by Barnardo’s is aimed at those working with children, young people and their families who are new to the Common Core or would like the chance to build on, and understand greater the  experiences they have. There are four training modules with a range of dates, and venues during February and March.
For more info, email simon.irwin@voda.org.uk.
Common Core of Skills and Knowledge Essential Training for the Children’s Workforce.

Bulletin 28 January 2011

“Talent! hits Northumberland”

The Northumberland Youth Cabinet is to host a talent competition on Friday 11th February 2011 at King Edward VI School, Morpeth from 6:30pm-9:00pm. The event is called ‘Talent!’ and is loosely based upon the popular TV show ‘Stars in their Eyes’, where contestants choose famous singers to impersonate.
However ‘Talent!’ will showcase a range of extraordinary and uniquely talented performers, from singers to dancers to musicians and what’s more, the majority or performers will be young people. The event is in aid of the teenage charity, Centrepoint with prizes of £250, £100 and £50. The competition will have an exciting judging panel with the same X Factor chemistry, however they will only criticise and have no part in deciding the winner-YOU WILL. The winner of the competition is completely dependent on audience votes.
Potential performers signed up at the back end of 2010 and members of the Youth Cabinet sifted through and short listed candidates to be considered for the show. A final selection was made and candidates were notified if they were successful. Tickets are available on the night and cost £4; alternatively they can be bought from King Edward VI School or contact Luke Bramhall on: Luke.Bramhall@Northumberland.gov.uk.

They would really like you to attend the event and provide your support for the young performers and Centrepoint!

The Youth Village

The Youth Village is the home of the Youth Ministry Team.  YMT is a dynamic organization working with and for young people in schools and parishes throughout the North East of England and beyond. YMT aims to challenge and support young people to develop life skills necessary to become active members of their communities.
They  have a group of international volunteers who live in community at the Village and work with young people and also offer training and support to adults who work with young people.  The youth village has recently been voted as one of the 20 centres of excellence within the British Isles.
Situated in the rolling hills of the Derwent Valley and surrounded by almost 20 acres of outstanding natural beauty, the Youth Village offers a unique setting for a whole host of activities from quiet get-aways, base to explore surrounding area to ideal location for training/team building days etc.  We have 44 twin/triple bedrooms spread across 4 attractive chalets with a shared lounge and kitchen in each, with widescreen TV and Wi-Fi access.
Full board can be provided in our dining room which accommodate up to 100 people and we also have an auditorium that can be used for various things including conferences with state of the art audio and visual equipment.

Please check out our website on www.youthvillage.co.uk for further information you can email admin@ymt.org

Bulletin 17 December 2010

Eating Distress – Training for Professionals
One day interactive training course to improve knowledge about eating disorders to aid prevention and provide information to help young people at risk

For more information about this training contact Maria Lavelle on 0191 2619923 or email maria.lavelle@themwifies.org.uk

Bulletin 10 December 2010

Invitation for colleagues working with looked after children

Across England around 4,000 girls under 18 undergo terminations every three months as a result of unplanned pregnancy and here in the North East, despite sustained effort, they continue to have among the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the country, The outcome for both mother and child of teenage pregnancy is not good, and both are more likely to face a lifetime of poverty and inequality of opportunity than older mothers.

At NHS North East we are running a campaign to reduce teenage pregnancy by promoting long acting reversible contraception. As someone who works with young people, you are invited to an event at the Springfield Centre off Blakelaw Road in Newcastle on 12th January 2011.

A short drama, ‘Stand up girl’, looks at the circumstances that can lead to unwanted pregnancy, considers the issues, and offers information and advice about alternative choices. Unlike other dramas, though, this is interactive and positively encourages live discussion about teenage pregnancy with debate from the audience.

The drama is part of a free event running from 4pm to 6.30pm at the centre, which also includes confidential advice and information from health and voluntary services about contraception and sexual health.

If you would like to know more about sexual health and about different types of contraception so you can advise young people in your care, Nuala O’Brien Communications Project Officer would love to see you.

Details of how to get there are at www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/springfield.

There is plenty of free parking. If you are using satnav, the post code is NE5 3HU.

It would be helpful for the Communications Project Officer, NHS North East, when planning if you could let them know if you are planning to attend please see the contact details below,

Direct dial: 0191 210 6556

Nuala.obrien@northeast.nhs.uk

Communications Project Officer, NHS North East, 0191 210 6556

Bulletin 3 December 2010

Regional sexual health events for looked after children

NHS North East Strategic Health Authority are currently delivering a project to reduce teenage pregnancy and have chosen looked after children as a particular target group. As part of their strategy they are planning four events, one each in North of Tyne, South of Tyne, Teesside and Durham & Darlington.

The events are targeted at young people, carers, and staff who work with looked after children in whatever capacity to offer them the opportunity to learn more about what contraceptives are available, particularly long acting reversible options,  and where help can be accessed. The events will run from around 4pm – 7pm and will kick off with a drama which has been especially commissioned. They also plan to invite organisations working both in sexual health, and with looked after children to run stands providing information and staff to offer help and advice and would particularly like to hear from anyone up for running short workshops (one hour max).

If you are currently working in this area and would like to contribute to these events and/or showcase your work please contact:

Nuala Obrien, Communications Project Officer, NHS North East, Waterfront 4, Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8NY 

Direct: 0191 210 6556

Switch: 0191 210 6400

Bulletin 26 November 2010

Unable to Connect

BBC research has revealed 31 women in the region were raped, abused or assaulted by men they had met over the internet over the last year.
 
Theatre Pie is a young women’s drama group based in Newcastle who have created a play called “Unable to connect” which aims to raise awareness about cyber safety as well as promoting the important of face to face communication.

Aims of “Unable to connect”

• To raise awareness of the dangers involved meeting strangers from the internet
• To identify early warning signs of internet addiction
• To promote the benefits of face to face communication
• To encourage safe online behaviour 

Thursday 9th December 2010, 6:00pm at Newcastle Central Library (Bewick Hall)
Contact information:
Tel: 0191 261 9923, email: maria.lavelle@themwifies.org.

Frankie Says Slide Event

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead, 19 – 20 March 2011

The Stroke Association are delighted that you are so interested in the amazing Frankie Says Slide Event. This is the first time that a double zip slide will have taken place at this venue and we are sure this will be a memorable and thrilling experience and with over 600 people expected to take part.
Everyone is encouraged to step back in time by dressing up! You could come as your favourite 80’s popstar or simply wear some old favourites from the back of the wardrobe? There will be prizes for the best dressed!
 
Register online at www.stroke.org.uk

Bulletin 12 November 2010

Parliamentary Education Committee call for evidence into services for young people

The Parliamentary Education Committee has announced an inquiry into the provision of services beyond the school/college day for young people, primarily those aged 13-25. The inquiry will consider both universal services – for instance youth clubs, or sporting, musical and cultural activities – and targeted services for vulnerable groups. Please note that this inquiry will not examine formal careers guidance services, including those provided by Connexions. In order to inform the inquiry The Education Committee has launched a call for evidence into services for young people.

Written submissions are invited, addressing the following points:

• The relationship between universal and targeted services for young people;
• How services for young people can meet the Government’s priorities for volunteering, including the role of National Citizen Service;
• Which young people access services, what they want from those services and their role in shaping provision;
• The relative roles of the voluntary, community, statutory and private sectors in providing services for young people;
• The training and workforce development needs of the sector;  
• The impact of public sector spending cuts on funding and commissioning of services, including how available resources can best be maximised, and whether payment by results is desirable and achievable;
• How local government structures and statutory frameworks impact on service provision; and
• How the value and effectiveness of services should be assessed. 

The Committee asks for written submissions in accordance with the guidelines below by noon on Wednesday 15 December 2010.

A copy of the submission should be sent by e-mail to educom@parliament.uk and marked “Services for young people inquiry”. The Committee’s strong preference is for submissions in electronic form, although hard copy originals will be accepted and should be sent to Kathryn Smith, Committee Assistant, at:

Education Select Committee
House of Commons
7 Millbank
London,

SW1P 3JA

Each submission should:

• be no more than 3,000 words in length;
• have numbered paragraphs; and
• (if in electronic form) be in Word format or a rich text format with as little use of colour or logos as possible. 

This is the first ever such inquiry and it comes at a critical time and provides a significant opportunity to argue for youth work and a youth services; please do not miss this opportunity. (further information and guidance is attached).

More information can be downloaded:

• Guide for witnesses 
• The education committee

Bulletin 5 November 2010

PoSBO Awards 2010 – Nominations Now Open!

The Truth About Youth North East and the Regional Youth Work Unit are proud to open for nominations the PoSBO Awards 2010! This prestigious event has been organised and designed by young people from Truth About Youth as a way of recognising and rewarding the fantastic contribution that young people make to society, which often goes unnoticed.

There are five categories of PoSBO, including one group award covering the following:

• Individual that has turned their life around
• Most dedicated young person
• Outstanding achievement
• Putting others first
• Best group community contribution

To nominate a young person or a group, please full out the attached nomination form and return it to Laura Iveson – laura@rywu.org.uk by no later than 5pm on Friday 12th November 2010.

The shortlisted candidates will be announced by Friday 19th November 2010. All shortlisted applicants will be invited to the PoSBO Award Ceremony on Thursday 2nd December 2010, with the event running from 6pm – 9.30pm at the Centre for Life Conference & Banqueting suite, Newcastle.

The winner of each category will receive a £50 voucher with each runner up receiving a £20 voucher. All non-shortlisted applicants will receive a PoSBO Certificate.

Each shortlisted candidate will be allowed to bring up to 5 guests (friends or family), plus the person that nominated them.

Unable to Connect

BBC research has revealed 31 women in the region were raped, abused or assaulted by men they had met over the internet over the last year.

Theatre Pie is a young women’s drama group based in Newcastle who have created a play called “Unable to connect” which aims to raise awareness about cyber safety as well as promoting the important of face to face communication.

Aims of “Unable to connect”

• To raise awareness of the dangers involved meeting strangers from the internet
• To identify early warning signs of internet addiction
• To promote the benefits of face to face communication
• To encourage safe online behaviour 

Thursday 9th December 2010, 6:00pm at Newcastle Central Library (Bewick Hall)

Contact information:

Tel: 0191 261 9923, email: maria.lavelle@themwifies.org.uk