NICCY Youth Panel [NI]
Age Group: There are 42 members of the NYP and they are aged between 12 and 21 yrs.
Specific Interest Group: They come from all over Northern Ireland
The Youth Panel is made up of young people who share their experiences and thoughts with the Commissioner and his staff and help NICCY make decisions about issues that affect children and young people.
Aim: The panel’s aim is to train and help children and young people develop so that they can take an active and full part in:
• consultation and participation in and discussion on issues affecting children and young people in Northern Ireland
• recruiting of NICCY staff
There are 42 members of the panel representing different religions, different abilities and disabilities, and of different ethnic groups. The members are also spread geographically throughout Northern Ireland.
How are Children and Young People Involved?
Some of the activities that the NYP and its members have been involved in include:-
• Taking part in BBC NI’s consultation on youth programming and young people’s involvement in programming
• Meeting Education Minister, Angela Smith with the Commissioner, Nigel Williams
• Meeting Children’s Minister, Lord Rooker with the Commissioner
• Involved in the launch of ‘Message to the Minister’ and the ‘Hope’ conference – events highlighting the issues around adolescent mental health provision
• Involved in a NICCY Anti-racism event which marked Anti-racism Week
• Hosted the launch of NICCY’s Shout public consultation programme
• Consulted and helped to developed and maintain the NICCY website
• By sitting on steering committees and carrying out peer research, the panel is helping NICCY’s research and service review work such as:-
o Anti-bullying research
o Safe Route to School research
o Child centred care planning review
o Physical punishment research
o Vetting review
• In partnership with the Commissioner and other NICCY staff, giving presentations at conferences, e.g.:
o Include Youth AGM
o Association of Chief Police Officers UK Conference
o UK Youth Presidency EU Conference
• Attended Youth Residentials
• Received training in a range of areas
• Involved in the recruitment of NICCY staff through sitting on the interview panels
Recruitment
The recruitment of panel members is an ongoing process. The panel aims to maintain the numbers on the panel and be as representative as possible of young people in our society.
Contact:
Email
ken@niccy.org
participation@niccy.org
Tel: 028 90311616.
