The project is one of four pilot areas that were selected from 21 applications received from Neighbourhood Renewal Projects funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). They are:
- EB4U, East Brighton New Deal for Communities (NDC)
- Beswick and Openshaw NDC, East Manchester
- West Middlesbrough NDC
- Preston Road, Hull NDC
Each area has selected between four and six young people aged between 15 and 20 to take part in the project. Training will be provided by the Renewal Academy and funded by the ODPM's Neighbourhood Renewal Unit.
The young advisers will show community leaders and local decision makers how to engage other young people in community life, regeneration and renewal. This will cover:
- demonstrating to organisations, committees and projects the best way to involve young people
- showing organisations, committees and projects what they need to consider when managing resources, projects and planning facilities for young people
- acting as 'champions' for young people in their community, demonstrating what young people can contribute
The young people may have the opportunity to advise not only locally, but also regionally and nationally. Young advisers will be paid £8 per hour and will have access to training and the opportunity to develop new skills. There will also be formal recognition of their work and the possibility to gain accredited qualifications.
Jim Fitzpatrick, Minister in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, said
"The Government is committed to the involvement and advancement of young people in our communities. I am confident that this young advisers pilot project will show what can be achieved by young people, allow young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods to have a say in local decisions that affect them and therefore better meet their needs. This will help local partnerships understand the benefits that can be gained from involving young people in the decision making process."
Kate Murphy, EB4U, East Brighton NDC, said:
"This is a great opportunity to get into youth work"
This pilot project complements the 'Learning to Listen' initiative lead by the Department for Education and Skills to which Government Departments are committed. It aims to give children and young people a real say and real choices about the Government policies and services that affect them.
