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Girls from the Young People's Parliament, The Vision Drama Group and Young Mums Project from the Cave, travelled to Thurston Outdoor Centre in the Lake District to take part in an outdoor adventurous challenge weekend.
The girls took part in mountain biking, gorge walking, canoeing, cliff traversing, treasure hunts and in the evenings got together to start planning for future girls work in South Tyneside.
Girls work in South Tyneside is starting to develop really well between all the youth projects and partnership working enables this to progress.
For more information on girls work with the parliament, please contact Tracey Moore on 0191 4247718. For more information on girls work for the Youth Service please contact Jill at The Cave on 0191 4563917.
Youth work colleagues from Jarrow and Simonside who support the work of the parliament recently completed a gruelling 500 mile bike challenge from John OGroats to South Shields in 4 days, to raise funds for Help 4 Heros.
They raised over £500 towards helping to building rehabilitation centres.
Thank you to everyone who sponsored Allan, Mike and Martin.
Members of the parliament on working on a piece of drama to tell the story of young and old lives in South Tyneside.
Pictured is Bill (aged 94) and Loui (aged 15) working through their story. We have had so many laughs and we are really enjoying working together.
Bill keeps us entertained every week with his funny stories - our play should be ready by November 09 and will be shown at the Customs House and Dance City.
We received funding from Opening Cultural Doors fund. For more information plese contact Tracey Moore on 0191 424 7718.
The girls from the parliament have been attending watersports sessions at our fantastic Water Activity Centre at the beach.
The girls had the chance to try out sailing, powerboating and jetskiing lessons.
The activities on offer at the centre are brilliant. If anyone would like to know more information about outdoor education in South Tyneside please contact Dave Addison on 0191 4247718.
Kyle Clifton (Youth Trainer and Peer Mentor) for the parliament was nominated by Tracey Moore as Role Model of the Year, for his continuous support to all young people he works with and his outstanding voluntary work he has undertaken over the last 5 years.
Kyle was shortlisted to the final 3 and attended the awards at the Customs House. Sadly, Kyle did not win the award however being shortlisted to last 3 was an impressive achievement and I want to thank Kyle for all his hard work and supporting me 100%.
Thanks Kyle... Tracey Moore
Members of the parliament recently travelled to Albemarle Barracks to take part in an Army Challenge Day.
Members took part in numerous assault course challenges and team games - the day was hard work, challenging and gave a great insight into a life and career with the Army.
All members received a certificate for recognition of their challenge.
Members of the parliament raised money for Red Nose Day.
Boys put their names forward to have their legs waxed by the girls.
Obviously the girls took great care to make sure that this was as painless as possible - NOT!!!
Thank you to everyone who took part and the parliament raised over £120 for this charity and thank you to all the staff at OCEAN ROAD CA for helping us and supporting us - we appreciate this.
Members of the parliament are working with Martin Simpson from Simonside Youth Centre to get the basics of indoor climbing.
Pictured is Harry Boddy who is a wheelchair user trying out climbing for the first time. Harry (Riverside Rep) admitted to feeling scared and anxious at the prospect of leaving his chair however, within minutes Martin supported Harry to get to the top of the climbing ramp and then proceeded to have a go at the Zip Line.
Harry had a fantastic night and is looking forward to the next session. Stephen Florence lost most of his limbs to meningitus aged 4 and is also taking part in climbing sessions at Simonside Youth Centre.
For more information on climbing courses in South Tyneside please contact Martin Simpson on 0191 4247718.
Members of the parliament are working with Chief Inspector Peter Sutton and Community Engagement Officer Richie Miles to develop a youth advisory group (20 members in total) to meet regulary to discuss policing issues in South Tyneside.
Currently the members are working to discuss anti-social behaviour and look at solutions and working with CREST to tackle racism issues.
Members of the parliament meet on the first Wednesday of every month to hold their business meeting to discuss youth issues.
Loui Coates is the Chair of the Parliament and takes charge and responsibility for running all meetings.
For more information please contact Tracey Moore on 0191 424 7718.
Members of the parliament were nominated by Tracey Moore as 'Community Group of the Year' award.
Unfortunately the parliament were unsuccessful on this occasion, however there will always be other opportunities.
I am very proud of all of you and for the work you have achieved over the last year for young people and the council.
Keep up the good work and looking forward to working with you all over the forthcoming years.
Members of the parliament travelled to Thurston Outdoor Centre to take part in outdoor adventurous activities as part of their teambuilding plans.
The activities were challenging, fun and allowed the members to get to know each other more to develop the parliament to its full potential.
On 17 to 20 July 2009 a team of girls from the parliament and a team of girls from Youth Choice took part in a team sailing challege with their workers Tracey Moore and Liz McHugh onboard the James Cook Yacht.
The girls sailed the yacht to Brunswick Bay and back home to achieve their introductory RYA certificate in sailing.
This project was supported by Ellen McArthur and in doing so allowed the girls to call this challenge "Project Ellen". Everyong had a great time and will hopefully be taking part in the Tall Ships Challenge next year.
For more information on sailing please contact Tracey Moore on 0191 424 7718.
Girls from the Young People's Parliament had a special evening tonight. They met up with Dame Ellen MacArthur, the around he world Yachswoman, who single handedly sailed around the world in less than 72 days covering a distance of 27,000 - a new world record.
Ellen met with the girls at the Customs House to give some words of encouragement before they attempt their sailing challenge in July for an all girls crew on board the James Cook vessell.
The girls had a fantastic evening with Ellen and were able to ask as many questions as they wanted. Ellen was a great inspiration to the girls. For more information about sailing opportunities please contact Tracey Moore, Youth Participation Officer, on 0191 424 7718.
The Young People's Parliament female members are taking part in a James Cook sailing challenge in July 2009.
The girls are pictured getting ready to start their practice sessions.
The James Cook is a large yacht which the girls will crew for a week as part of a team building exercise. Good luck girls!
Congratulations Nick
The Young People's Parliament are proud to annouce that Nick Pringle (Cleadon and East Boldon youth advisory to the council) is the elected MYP (Member of Youth Parliament) to represent South Tyneside at the UK Youth Parliament.
Nick will travel to Canterbury to attend the National Sitting in July 2009. Congratulations Nick!
Congratulations Loui
Congratulations to Loui Coates (Riverside Rep and South Tyneside Young People's Parliament Chair) who is the elected Deputy MYP (Member of Youth Parliament) to represent South Tyneside at the UK Youth Parliament.
Loui will travel with Nick Pringle and Tracey Moore to represent South Tyneside at the next annual sitting in Canterbury in July 2009. Congratulations Loui!
Girls from the Young People's Parliament had a special evening where they met up with Dame Ellen MacArthur - the around the world yachtswoman who single handedly sailed around the world in less than 72 days, covering a distance of 27,000, a new world record.
The girls were able to ask as many questions as they wanted and Ellen was a great inspiration to the girls. For more information about sailing opportunities please contact us.
South Tyneside Youth Inspectors travelled to the Lake District to take part in an outdoor team building weekend.
They met their partners from Durham and Gateshead and had the chance to get to know each other more and work on roles and responsibilities and logos. The team have been working with De Montford University Researchers over the last year.
For more information please contact us.
The Youth Service organised a weekend for staff to experience outdoor activities and see what Thurston have to offer to the young people they work with. It was a fantastic weekend with lots of laughs along the way.
Members of the new Young People's Parliament relaxing after taking part in one of their drama sessions. The group are getting to know each other really well and are starting their CAF presentation work so you'll see them out and about in your area soon. There are now 23 members of the Young People's Parliament in total
Craig Laing looking through a selection of books in a session ran by Tracey Moore and Mark Freeman from South Tyneside libraries.
The Parliament are looking at the design and delivery of new libraries in South Tyneside.
Gotcha Kyle... it's better not to ask!
Stephen Florence, Josh McLachland and Loui Coates just chilling out.
The parliament recently travelled to Hawse End Outdoor Education Centre and had a weekend of archery, canoeing and abseiling.
Pictured here is Bill aged 93 and Eleanor aged 81 taking their first powerboating lessons with the help of the parliament as part of our intergenerational work.
The young people have become instructors with the help of Dave Addision in our outdoor education department. They put our friends from Forum50 through their paces.
The day was a huge success and we look forward to more projects together. For more information please contact us.
Tracey Moore, Youth Participation Officer, and Vince High, Assistant Head of Service, pictured with our friends from Forum 50 Older People's Parliament.
Also pictured are Steve Southern (Positive Activities Manager) and Ronnie Lynn (Youth Work Trainee)
We are planning lots of exciting things for our Handing on History Project - intergenerational work, so again watch this space.
We are organising a watersports day with Dave Addison Head of Water Activity Centre for our Outdoor Education Centre, on 26 September 2008 where Forum 50 will be jetskiing, powerboating and sailing. The oldest member of forum 50 hitting the high seas is Bill Groombridge aged 94. Watch this space!
Kim running a session on homelessness and young people.
Members of the parliament pictured with Young Peer Mentors from the Churches Key Project in South Tyneside. The Churches Key Project came to meet with us to run sessions around youth homelessness in South Tyneside, and spread the word about where you can go for help if you find yourself homeless.
All the of mentors from the project were once homeless and have their own story to tell. This remains a big issue for young people today.
The Parliament are continuing to support the work of the homeless project.
Pictured is Jacklyn French and Loui Coates running a training session for all new members.
Jacklyn represents Hedworth and Loui represents Riverside areas.
Pictured is Scarlett Lukes Lane representative for Hebburn supporting Erin and Chris who are in Youth Challenge at Ocean Road CA.
They are pictured doing their service helping to serve refreshments to the parliament members.
Pictured is Hayley Conway who was the original secretary for the Parliament and the Riverside Rep, who has now moved onto become a trainer and is part of the Youth Participation Team - Impact 17.
Hayley runs training sessions every week for the parliament and helps the new members understand process, aims, objectives and plans sessions.
Hayley is now at Sunderland University studying to become a teacher - good luck with your studies Hayley you are a STAR and we thank you for all your help and support.
Pictured is John Bissett, Lukes Lane representative. John has also been elected by the members to develop our new newsletter and promotional work.
John is a writer and enjoys writing plays, stories and songs in his spare time so no doubt John this will help you lots with your new post.
Happy birthday to East Shields Rep Craig Laing!
New members of the Parliament pictured on a fun day out to Flamingo Land.
New Parliament members will be elected in to their posts by the Mayor during local democracy week in October 2008.
The previous members of the parliament are now the new Youth Participation team "Impact 17" and will stand down from their positions on the Young People's Parliament in October 2008. Watch this space for new developments.
Members of the young people's parliament working with Chief Super Intendant Kevin Lambert and the Respect Agenda.
Members are carrying out consultations in connection with Anti Social Behaviour and the effects on the local community.
18 June 2008, Ocean Road Community Centre
Members of the Young People's Parliament, Impact 17, Youth Apprentices, Youth Inspection Team, Youth Challenge from Ocean Road and Fighting Fit Group hosted an evening for our new director Helen Watson - Director of Children's Services.
The purpose of the events was to showcase the work of participation in South Tyneside and to have a chat with the young people about their involvement.
The night was opened by Tracey Moore and Feruz Hussain (Participation Worker for BME work) explaining the purpose of the evening.
Fighting Fit group put on a street dance/martial arts display for the audience which tackled the issue of racism through dance.
The youngest dance member was Sam aged 6. Sam was amazing - his first show.
Annissa from Fighting Fit for Girls was also there with her group of girls and they showcased their recently written poems about life which are being displayed in and around South Tyneside.
Helen then met with young people to chat about the work they do around participation and what matters to them. They also talked about how the council can help to ensure young people are actively involved in decision making.
Young people explained that they would like to ensure that they continue to receive regular feedback from the facilitators about any consultations they take part in.
Young people would like to work more with the consultation team to deliver consultation events - partnership working.
Young people explained to Helen that the council has changed in relation to working with young people. Young people now have more opportunities to get involved in shaping provision.
All of the young people involved are volunteers on projects developed by the Youth Service, but that funding remains an issue to continue with their projects.
Helen took on board all comments and thanked everyone for taking the time out of their hectic schedules to talk to her.
All young people thanked Helen for coming along as it does make a different being able to talk to Directors of services.
Helen reminded the young people that she operates an open door' policy and anyone is able to come and talk to her whenever they need to.
The following is a response received from Helen Watson ....
"Tracey, a quick note to thank you and all the team - and all the young people - for a fantastic night on Wednesday night. The best, most energising session I have ever been to! Look forward to working with you. Please can you pass on my thanks and good wishes to all. I was overwhelmed by the talent involved."
Helen Watson Director of Children's Services
62 young people volunteered their time to attend this event.
Members of the Young People's Parliament Craig Laing, Nick Pringle, Ronnie Lynn and Aaron Paterson attended the innovation day with Youth Participation Officer/Support Worker Tracey Moore.
The purpose of the day was for young people to meet with council employees and give their views about recycling and waste management.
The following views were offered by members:
Young people developed some fantastic innovative ideas to highlight issues which would have more impact to young people. These ideas have been taken forward for consultation.
Parliament members really enjoyed the day and were warmly welcomed by the event organisers: in particular Hugh McShane who kept us laughing; Adrian Smith for his presentation skills - very interesting, funny and easy to listen to (plus plays a mean drum kit), and Steve from Blitzit for telling us about his job and making us laugh - especially the stories of the seal!
We are attending the next innovation day which is around involving people - in particular young people.
9 - 13 June 2008 - National Carers Week
14 - 21 June 2008 - Bike Week
16 June 2008 - Refugee Week
4 - 8 August 2008 - Sexual Health Awareness Week
11 - 15 August 2008 - Christian Aid Week
12 - 16 August 2008 -International Youth Day
1 October 2008 - Black History Month
2 - 7 November 2008- Youth Work Week
2 - 7 November 2008 - Dyslexia Awareness Week
10 - 14 November 2008 - National Adoption Week
17 - 21 November 2008 - National Anti Bullying Week
If you would like more information on the work of the Parliament please contact us.
On 2 June 2008 three young people from the Parliament will interview candidates for the post of Head of Social Inclusions and Achievement.
Victoria Southern, Ronnie Lynn and Simon Barker will be part of the interview and recruitment team and ensure young people continue to be involved in decision making within the council.
On 28 May 2008 members of the Parliament attended a visioning day at the Customs House tackling the issue of recycling and waste management in South Tyneside.
The Youth Service now have enrolled 14 Youth Work Apprentices working in partnership with Adult and Community Learning. The scheme will run for 2 years.
Members of the Parliament are working with Michael Campbell in our Policy Team to write a children and young people's version of the Children and Young People's Plan.
Members of the Parliament are working with colleagues in PCT to look at the new doctors' surgeries being built in South Shields and Hebburn.
Young people have discussed wanting access to youth councillors and mental health support workers.
On 15 May Parliament members, Impact 17 and the Youth Participation Team attended a celebration event held by the Mayor and the Youth Service in the Town Hall. The event recognised the efforts of young people and youth workers in developing and achieving fantastic pieces of work.
The full annual report by the Youth Service is now available. Contact us for more information.
Members of the Youth Participation Team are working with Greenfields School in Jarrow to help young people develop their school council.
Ronnie Lynn chair of the Parliament has successfully completed his Powerboat Instructors exam and VHF Radio exam and is now qualified to teach powerboating to other young people.
On 4 June members of the Parliament will meet with Helen Watson, the new Director of Children and Young People, to explain their work and how it impacts on the community.
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