11 MILLION - the organisation led by the Children’s Commissioner - supports the 11 million children and young people in England to have their voices heard.
Sir Al Aynsley-Green has met with children and young people across England to listen to and explore the issues that that they face. The tour comes to the North East from Monday 25 to Wednesday 27 February and West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust’s innovative work with young people in West Middlesbrough has been chosen as one of the ground breaking projects the Commissioner will visit.
Projects were invited to meet the Commissioner based on the way they involve young people as leaders and the work they are doing on the key 11 MILLION ‘spotlight’ areas for 2007/8, which are:
- Youth justice and anti social behaviour
- Asylum and trafficking
- A fair life
- Mental health
- Enjoying education and leisure
- Staying safe.
In West Middlesbrough, the visit will be a chance to spend some focused time with young people and the Children’s Commissioner will hear about how young people are making a real difference by delivering the services themselves, under the emerging ‘Just 4 Youth’ Youth Development Company.
12 young people and the Children’s Commissioner will hear first hand about the views, opinions and experiences of the young people aged 13 to 21. The young people are leading the session and the Children’s Commissioner is being invited to take part in a ‘Just 4 Youth - Question Time’ debate with the group.
A panel of youngsters will represent the projects they are working with and the Children’s Commissioner will be part of a young people’s audience asking questions about the projects, ranging from work with the police to raising awareness about mental health issues for young people.
After the debate the young people will have an opportunity to discuss their work with the Commissioner and to ask him questions about his own work. The views of the young people will then be fed into future debate and emerging policies to improve outcomes for all children and young people in England.
Kevin Franks, WMNT’s Youth Manager said: ”This is an exciting way for our young people to get to the heart of the decision-making process and help to shape how government policy develops. The Children’s Commissioner will be able to experience first hand the positive impact that young people can have when given the opportunity to lead and take a meaningful part in decision-making.”
Ahead of his visit, Sir Al Aynsley-Green, said: “I am looking forward to meeting the children and young people of Middlesbrough and listening to their opinions and concerns. 11 MILLION has put the active participation of children and young people at the heart of all our work. Their views shape everything we do at 11 MILLION as we work towards a society in which children and young people are more highly valued and respected.”
PHOTOGRAPHIC OPPORTUNITY: The Children’s Commissioner, Sir Al Aynsley-Green, will take part in an interactive ‘Question Time’ debate with young people in West Middlesbrough from 4.30pm to 5.15pm at the WMNT Resource Centre, Meath Street on Wednesday 27 February 2008.
Note to Editors: The Children’s Commissioner for England was established under The Children Act 2004 to be the independent voice of children and young people and to champion their interests and bring their concerns and views to the national arena.
Ends.
Press Notice WMNT220. 26/2/08.
Issued by Alison Aston on behalf of West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust. Tel: 05602 702493 or mobile 0776 197 3378 for more details.