YOUTH OF WALSALLManifesto 2015/16

CONTENTSIntroduction...............................................................................................3Your School.........................................................................................4-5Your Future..........................................................................................6-7Health..........................................................................................................8-9Having Your Say.........................................................................10-11Positive Activities............................................................................12Crime and Safety..............................................................................13Feelings and Wellbeing............................................................14Experiences of YOW Members..............................15-16Conclusion................................................................................................17

Introduction

“Lis

teni

ng, A

ctin

g, Im

prov

ing.

”

We are the Youth of Walsall. We are inspired to represent the young people in our community.

We are determined to listen to your views, implement your opinions, and empower your

voices. We believe you should be heard.

YOW is a unique group that assembled in 2011 and has been involved in many pioneering projects which have made a genuine difference to the lives

of the young people involved.

We consist of members ranging from 11 to 18 years old, all of which have a drive to ensure that

your views are heard, and more importantly, acted upon. We are passionate about making a positive

change in Walsall.

In this manifesto we present to you some of our action statements.

3

4 5

YOUR SCHOOL...

YOW believes that young people should be happy and safe at school as it is a major part of our lives that provides so many empowering opportunities. Children and young people achieve more when they have a positive attitude and outlook towards their education.

Our survey highlights that more than half of the respondents are happy to come to school. We are very proud of this, because we believe that education is a right for all young people, although we can always work to improve this and strive to help all children and young people to enjoy school. Only 37% thought that their teachers make lessons fun and interesting.

Three quarters felt their school gave them useful skills and knowledge, which is essential for their future. We are very pleased with this outcome.

More than half are happy to

come to school

three quarters felt their

school gave them usefulL skills and

knowledge

THE STATS

From our survey we would like to concentrate on how schools deal with bullying more effectively. Statistics show that more than half surveyed believed that bullying strategies could be improved.

The prevention of bullying will always be a key issue for young people; we believe that prevention is

the best course of action. We will do this by identifying the causes of bullying and so

combat intimidating behaviour.

As a group, we are passionate about making positive change and we will use our knowledge and resources, including

our very own Activate Toolkit to assist and support teachers and pupils to deal with

bullying more effectively.

This will continue to increase the number of young people who feel comfortable coming into school.

THE A

CTIO

N PL

AN

more than half said bullying strategies could be impRoved

The activate against hate toolkit will be

used to assist and support teachers and pupils to deal

with bullying more effectively

We, as young people, understand the significance of school in young people’s lives. This is why we are willing to strive for a

happy learning environment for all young people across Walsall:

Anenvironment where young people feel

free to express their

opinions

Are listened to

Their views are acted upon by young people and change

making groups such as YOW

6 7

YOUR FUTURE...

94% of young people had a good idea of

what they wanted to do post-education

THE STATSYOW believe that the young people of Walsall should be equipped for the future. There are a multitude of ways that we can do this, through schools, careers advice, family planning and youth support. Our vision is one where every young person in the borough feels prepared for the world, family life and transition into adulthood, including further education.

Our survey highlighted a very positive statistic, the fact that 94% of young people had a good idea of what they wanted to do post-education. However, while the young people have positive aspirations for their future, many lack clear advice on which is the correct path to take to their desired goal. Around half of young people that completed the survey believed that they would benefit from jobs advice, CV writing and interview practice.

As a group, we are committed to preparing young people for the future. We have chosen to prioritise these issues and develop strategies that can informing young people on how to make decisions about their future career. We want to help tackle barriers that young people, who want to go to university, face when making that decision. We want to help in instilling confidence in young people so they can fulfil their full potential. The statistic that 55% said university ‘isn’t for me’ was discouraging because young people no longer feel that university is not an opportunity for them, because of for example, tuition fees.

We aim to raise awareness of opportunities for all young people

across Walsall and believe we have the knowledge and platform to create a community of young people who are able to access enough resources and

information to feel secure and certain on their future.

We want to help in instilling confidence in

young people so they can fulfil their full

potential

THE ACTION PLAN

YOW believes that the health of young people is paramount to their development and future success. Therefore after analysing the results of our survey we were concerned that...

THE ACTION PLANWe feel that these statistics emphasise the lack of knowledge and support provided to young people, and this is something we hope to change over the coming years. We will strive to include more activities within our toolkits, which will highlight the danger these substances can have in their lives. We will do this by carrying out awareness days to deliver interactive and engaging sessions to young people across Walsall.

8 9

HealthSMoking, Drugs and Alcohol

THE STATS

48% of young people who have

smoked a cigarette haven’t stopped

19% of those young people smoke

every day

EXERCISE92% of young

people engage in some form of

exercise

The survey showed that 92% of young people engage in some form of exercise. We believe this

is a very positive result as it portrays a healthy community, so we hope to keep this positive

momentum going by publicising park runs and health related events.

and

10 11

Having your SAYFor YOW, having your say within your local community and

getting involved is increasing as more young people feel like their voice has a major influence of decisions being made. For example 80% of young people believe that their views

can make a significance difference in their school and 69% in their local area. We know this is important as it will not only benefit them, it also shows they are willing to support and

get involved with further engagement in order to obtain the fair perspective of young people concerning the issues they

face.

However, it is worrying that 66% of young people are

not involved in any form of youth voice, which means that 66% are not having

their voice heard. We hope to change this by reaching out to more youth clubs and schools in order to

show them their voices do matter and they can make a difference. We will use our flyers and posters to offer them opportunities to get involved in YOW

and we aim to have at least one member from each

secondary school on YOW.

TURN OVER TO

FIND OUT MORE

YOW are lOOking fOr neW members

ageD 11-19?WanT TO geT YOUr VOiCe HearD?

lOTs Of iDeas fOr CamPaigns PrOJeCTs?PassiOnaTe abOUT making a DifferenCe?

Be part of a group that make things happen

and represent yourself and your area!

Walsa

ll Ch

ildre

n and Young People’s Partnership

YOW (Youth of Walsall) was set up in 2011 by young people. its aim is to give young people a voice and an opportunity to make a difference. We meet up at least once a month and currently have about 15 members.YOW works closely with decision makers and other groups. The groups’ work can vary from planning events, leading their own campaigns to helping with interviews plus much more!

YOW is a great opportunity to get involved in and can help you to gain new experiences, skills and a chance to stand up and make a difference in Walsall as well as having fun and meeting new people.

We only have a few spaces so if you’re interested or want to find out more get in touch with us:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/YouthOfWalsallTwitter: @YouthOfWalsall

Website: www.youthopinionsunite.co.ukCall or text: 07834 499381/01922 654888

We are looking for young people that are;

• Committed • Up for a challenge • Improve things

• Enthusiastic • Willing to represent their area

Walsa

ll Ch

ildre

n and Young People’s Partnership

Vote from 2nd Feb – 13th Feb Do it online at www.youthopinionsunite.co.uk or text your vote to 60003

o u wawh do nt2 re ese pr nt

?ur views The young person will represent you and your views at government level, so make sure they’re someone you voted for!

elected

Below are the candidates and their manifestos (what they plan to do if elected). Read each statement and pick one person to be your Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) forthe Walsall area.

When you have made your choice, read the ‘how to vote’information to learn about the different ways you can cast your vote. The winners will be announced at the big announcement event in March and will be available online soon afterwards at www.youthopinionsunite.co.uk

Search for ‘youth of walsall’ on Facebook

Ben

13

Name

Age

Dan

16

Name

Age

TEXT

Sebastian

13

Name

Age

Devon

11

Name

Age

Joscel

16

Name

Age

Arjun

13

Name

Age

Adam

15

Name

Age

Thando

15

Name

Age

Joshua

11

Name

Age

Namir

17

Name

Age

Balraj

16

Name

Age

A project by Walsall’s Youth Support Services

Vote from 2nd feb – 13th Feb

If you’re 11-18 this is your chance tovote for your favourite candidate in the2015 UK Youth Parliament elections.

• I am open minded, original and optimistic.

• I will not judge you and will value your opinion with the upmost respect.

• I would be honoured to change your hometown for the better, whilst using key information from your opinions.

• I want to make the world of Walsall a better world for you to live in.

• Vote for me and watch the world of Walsall change for the better.

• Crime, stereotypes, deprivation. This isn’t a faraway place, this is Walsall and this needs changing. And change this will.

• Change needs a voice and ears. A voice heard by influential people and ears to listen to the change you want. I can be that voice.

• Change doesn’t come to those who wait it comes to those who earn it and I will earn change for you.

•I am confident, charismatic, determined, as well as passionate. If I can count on YOUR vote YOU can count on MY action.

• Vote for the best, vote for Balraj.

• I have an ambition to give you, the people of Walsall a voice to be heard.

• I am the person to represent your views.

• I am a confident speaker which means I will get your opinion heard.

• Not only do I speak well but I will listen to all of your opinions and make them heard. I will give you the people of Walsall a say.

• You should vote for me because what you want is what I will stand for.

• Are you bothered about the way Walsall looks because I am. I don’t want places to look run down, they need to look nice and appealing.

• The youth services that people have access to are being closed or threatened to close down. I want to stop this. They are very fun to go to and it is better than kids hanging out on the streets.

• I would be good for this role because I am a clear public speaker and I am organised.

• I am representing you and I will make a difference.

• Your views will be acted upon.

• Fulfilling your individual require-ments so you are not just good, but the best of the best.

• Make your aspirations a reality as I strive to get you more insightful work experience.

• I plan to increase the unique positive activities available to young people.

• I would like to invest my time in supporting social places for young people to integrate.

• Let me represent your view so I can make the new you.

• I would like to make Walsall a better place.

• I would like to create more social events and positive activities for young people.

• I am diligent, confident and a great listener.

• I promise to make your voice heard and respond to any of your concerns.

• Vote for me to represent you.

• I am very diligent and devoted to what young people want to see in Walsall.

• I am determined, confident and outgoing and WILL get your points heard.

• I will completely remould the view on Walsall to satisfy everyone of your needs.

• I am optimistic and prepared with a vision of how we all really want Walsall to be.

• I shall make Walsall a better environment for all.

• With your help, we can tackle major problems of your choice. For a better place for us to live, we are the next generation, the next opportunity.

• We can tackle problems like crime, bullying or more personal problems like exam pressure.

• I can drive forth projects with your help, I am confident and will make sure you are heard.

• I am passionate for our beliefs and will make them count.

• With your votes we can change Walsall, creating a better and safer place. It will be a new Walsall, our Walsall.

• I would like to change the negative stereo types of young people portrayed in the media.

• I want to work for all young people across Walsall.

• I am hard working.• I will listen to your views on

Walsall if you vote for me.• I have brilliant IT skills to use on

campaigns.

• I want to help make a change to school education, lessons and timetables.

• I can do this because I am confident and independent which allows me to portray your views.

• I am determined to lead.• I have a drive to help communities

and I have a drive to help you.• Vote for me I will consider your

views.

• There’s a world where young people have no control over their future, but I am driven to change that, to have a positive impact.

• I want to make a difference.• I am energising, charismatic and

determined to represent your views and empower your voice.

• People should have the vote at 16, I am also focused on combating stereotypes and integrating young people with emergency services in the campaign I am spearheading called the YES forum.

• A vote for me is a voice for you.

Online:www.youthopinionsunite.co.uk and follow the instructions on screen. Vote carefully, you only get one chance

how to vote:In person:Fill out a ballot form and pop it in a ballot box. Ask at your school/youth club for details.

BY text:Send ‘walsall ukyp’ plus the candidate’s name to 6003.

Two thirds of young people are not

involved in any forms of youth work

66% of young people are not involved in

youth voice

After learning that 65% of young people do not feel safe in Walsall Town Centre after dark, we would like to feed this back to our Youth Police and Crime Commissioners who could integrate this into the Police and Crime Plan. For the 14% who have considered carrying a weapon, we plan to get a knife bin where young people who are carrying weapons can dispose of them before they cause harm to others. The most common types of crime affecting young people were burglary, theft, assault and verbal abuse. YOW will feedback to the Youth and Crime Commissioners who can begin to make change.

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Positive activities Crime and Safety

YOW found that 50% of young people did not take part in positive activities. A reason for this could be that it was not their thing. However, 83% of those who have participated in a positive activity said they had fun.

38% of young people expressed an interest in charity work or volunteering in our survey, though young people were not sure about where to go for opportunities like volunteer work. However, 32% of those who took part in similar activities said they learned new skills.

65% of young people do not feel safe in

Walsall Town Centre after dark

Young people should be able to

access and take part in activities they are

passionate about Without BarrieRS

We believe that all young people deserve equal opportunities to take part in positive activities they are passionate about. We will aim to advertise more positive activities by going to schools and youth centres.

We will also reach out to young people during the school holidays by promoting workshops and taster activities. TH

E ACT

ION

PLAN

Young people feel unsafe at school because of

bullying, fighting and intimidation.

We plan to use our Activate Against Hate toolkit to

combat this within schools. 1

2015

Events and activities for

9 to 19 year olds in Walsall

99%Rated by

young people

It is concerning that 27% of young people would like a different life to what they have now. With the help of SIT (Safeguarding Involvement Team), which is run by young people, we can work with schools to help improve this feeling of lack of happiness with their lives. We also want to work with schools to help reduce the pressure and offer different options available to students.

Weight and appearance was an issue for 28% of young people, we would like to tackle this by doing projects around body image and stereotypes within the media.

UK Youth Parliament are taking part in a nationwide campaign called ‘Mind The Gap’. This campaign involves Members of Youth Parliament mapping the mental health services in their area. This information will then be handed over to the necessary minister in government. By doing this, UK Youth Parliament can strive to improve the mental health services that are available to young people nationwide to help them in their time of need.

14 15

Feelings and wellbeing YOW Experiences

Weight and appearance was an

issue for 28% of young people

48% of young people were worried about

school work and exams

36% of young people are worried

about what to do post-compulsory

education

27% of young people would like a different life to what they have

now

THE STATS Matthew, Vice Chair “I have been a YOW member for over two years

and the experience has changed me. Before YOW I was unable to talk to a large crowd

whereas now I have hosted an event full of high ranking officers. I have made lots of new friends that are all different. I have been on many trips

and done things I never thought I could.”

Adam, Events Officer“YOW is the place to be. Voicing my views, listening to others, working as a team and most importantly making a difference. I’m proud to say YOW has shaped me to be the better person I am today. It has boosted my confidence and allowed me to communicate and work with other people. It has also opened doors for me – getting involved in different projects and meeting new people such as the Police Commissioner and the CYPP board to help make a change in Walsall.”

Balraj, Deputy Member of Youth Parliament“Change. Making a difference. Ensuring people

see this difference. Fanciful ideas, but with YOW, not only did I learn this was possible, but it was realistic. It’s not just some meetings, it’s not just

small talk and it’s absolutely not meaningless. Being a part of YOW is being a part of a

continuous, meaningful impact.”

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CONCLUSIOnSince the start of the Youth of Walsall, we have strived to make

Walsall a better place for children and young people because we believe that young people deserve a safe, nurturing and enjoyable

environment. We aim to continue the great work we have been doing.

If you are interested in our work and would like to find out more, you can visit our website or contact us using any of the information

below.

Thando, Deputy Press OfficerJoining YOW has been an amazing experience. So far and I have made new friends. It has not

been easy for me to speak in front of strangers, and I’ve struggled with that for most of my life. But thanks to the encouragement of the YOW

team, I am much more confident and I have built up the courage to get my views across without fear of being judged or not making

sense. Although it’s a struggle most of the time, I still feel confident enough to at least say one thing on my mind.

Charlotte, Press OfficerSince joining YOW a lot has happened! I’m usually the person that sits back but rather than doing this I have been wanting to push myself to get involved more often. Becoming a Deputy Press Officer which led to Press Officer was a massive step but has benefited me to develop important skills of a Press Officer. YOW has been incredible and it’s all down to the team who have really welcomed me into the YOW family!

Jade, YOW MemberYOW has opened my eyes to Walsall to how Walsall has different

views and is a very diverse community. I have been made aware of Walsall’s positives and

negatives. I have seen the true side to the area I live in, as well as the areas around I have

become more open to culture and ethnicity. I am free thinker and am happy to argue an

opinion. I have mat people I otherwise wouldn’t have met and I am a better for it. I am grateful.

Search for “Youth Of Walsall” @YouthOfWalsall

youteam@walsall.gov.ukPhone: 01922 654887 or

01922 655915

Text: 07939 033358 or 07793 189449

www.youthopinionsunite.co.uk

How to get in touch

“Listening, Acting, Improving”