The Children and Young People’s Forum – The Big Deal [NI]
Age Group: 0-25
Specifc Interest Group: All children and young people in Northern Ireland.
One of the big differences between The Big Deal and other programmes is that we believe it is important that children and young people are fully involved in its decision-making and have a real say in how the work is carried out. For example, deciding and having a say in who gets a funding award and what type of projects you can apply to the programme for.
Through their involvement children and young people will also have the chance to share their opinion and have it heard on for example:
• how services for children and young could be delivered better or differently
• how organisations could change to include more, or more effectively, children & young people in planning and management
• how we celebrate the success of the programme in reaching out to, welcoming and involving children and young people from diverse communities, backgrounds, abilities and beliefs.
As part of The Big Deal we are establishing a Children and Young People’s Forum. Those recruited to it will have the opportunity to shape and contribute to the running of The Big Deal by becoming either an Award Panel and/or Steering Committee member.
Award Panel - You will act as an award panel member andmake decisions on funding applications for small grants of between £500 and £2,500 from individuals and groups of children & young people.
Steering Committee - You will join with current adult members of The Big Deal Steering Committee in developing and overseeing its future direction and influence other work in the children’s & youth sector.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We have recruited approx. 30 children and young people to the Forum, which will be made up of 10 people aged 0-10 and a further 10 each from those aged 11-16 and 17-25.
We plan to recruit around half that number this year and fill the remaining places over the life of The Big Deal programme.
We need children and young people
• from across Northern Ireland and from a wide range of backgrounds with (and without) experience* in, e.g.decision-making and being part of a committee
• who don’t mind saying what they think and who are prepared to listen to and consider the views of others
• who have the free time and are able to take part in all the information, training and support sessions**
• Who want to help other children and young people benefit from The Big Deal
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM US?
If you get involved, you will:
• help shape The Big Deal programme by having a real say in decisions, e.g. on funding as well as on behalf of other children and young people
• meet with other young people from different backgrounds and experience
• gain new skills that you can use in other areas of your personal or social life
• get the opportunity to help other children and young people make a difference in their community.
• have fun and enjoy the experience
• get out-of-pocket expenses paid back
The closing date for applications to join the Forum is now passed. A selection process is now underway and applicants will be contacted by Forum staff shortly. We will be recruiting for the Panel again in 2007.
Contacts
The Big Deal
Northern Ireland Youth Forum
24A Ann Street
Wilsons Court
Belfast, BT1 4EF
By: 4.00pm Friday 22 September 2006
For further information or assistance contact: The Children & Young People’s Forum Worker, Leighann, on (028) 9033 1990 or email:
leighann@niyf.org or cypf@niyf.org or visit http://www.thebigdealni.com
Please note, this is this is an application process and not an offer of membership to the Forum. If you have a question give us a call.
Other Contact Details
Joe Hawkins
The Big Deal Programme Manager
YouthNet
The Warehouse
7 James Street South
Belfast
BT2 8DN
Tel. (028) 9033 1880
Fax. (028) 9033 1977
w:http://www.thebigdealni.com
w:http://www.youthnetni.org.uk
