International Youth Opportunities North East (IYONE)

The North East has, for many years, promoted and supported international opportunities for young people in the region. A significant contributor to this work has been the Regional International Youth Committee, based at the Regional Youth Work Unit North East. For over ten years the committee has operated as the regional coordinator of the Connect Youth Programme in the North East, acting on behalf of the British Council. The committee has also overseen youth exchange opportunities to countries outside of Europe including China, Japan and America. In April 2007, the role of regional coordinator with the British Council came to an end. As a result of this change, the committee carried out a wide ranging review of the current and future role of the committee. The outcome of this redevelopment work is the establishment of International Youth Opportunity North East (IYONE).

IYONE is made up of the current members of the Regional International Youth Committee and a number of new colleagues from local and regional organisations. IYONE will continue and expand the work of the existing committee and will build on the many years of experience which has been developed in the field of international work with young people

IYONE is made up from members from both the statutory and voluntary youth sector and supports any youth groups in the North East who may be interested in international opportunities. In the coming months IYONE will be promoting and supporting new international opportunities for young people in the region. We will be providing information days, training for staff working with young people and support for groups with new applications for funding.