Blog 25.05.07

This month began with a two very pleasant events, as I presented lucky 'prize draw' winners with ipods. (I mentioned last time that they had completed the questionnaire from the children's versions of the Children & Young People's Plan). 

'Big Bruvver' - The youth service is now leading on this project and roll out is underway - watch out for the diary room in your area!

'Hear by Right' is a planning tool that helps organisations involve children and young people. The 'children's planning network' (who meet every other month to share good practice and network with each other) recently took part in one day training about how to use the hear by right standards. The next step is for agencies to start to use the standards when working with children and young people.

Staffordshire's Children and Young People's Plan will be audited by young people against these standards; this will then give them a real opportunity to be actively involved in future updates, as the plan is 'refreshed' every year.

For more information about 'hear by right' go to: www.nya.org.uk/hearbyright

This month has been very busy; I met with others to look at how children and young people are transported to prison. They often travel for long periods and cannot have a drink or a 'comfort' stop. It is intended to change this practice and raise this at National level. 

The Shadow Trust Board - held a fun day at Tutbury Castle, to 'get together' and discuss issues in the children and young people's plan. They looked at how the things in the plan affected them and what other things are important to them. Children aged 8 - 13 yrs had loads of fun, making a model village, playing games, sumo wrestling, climbing and loads more. Young people from the youth service acted as mentors and filmed the day - I have yet to see the filmed evaluation of the day, but when I do, I'll write more here about it! 

Lichfield Cathedral held a celebration of youth last weekend and the variety of entertainment was simply staggering. It ranged from classical singing, orchestras, pop, hip hop, dance and even juggling. It really was a celebration - well done everyone!

On my hols now for a week's slow cruise through the Churnet Valley on my narrow boat................. back next month! 

Last Modified: 31/05/2007 08:00:47
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