Sandwell has one of the youngest populations in the country, meaning not only are we helping young people learn and develop into the community and workforce of the future, but we’re also making sure they’re heard now.
With one of the UK’s youngest populations, potential at its peak
There are lots of ways children and young people get involved in Sandwell.
Young People Shaping Sandwell
SHAPE – Sandwell’s Child Voice Initiative, led by Sandwell Council, is designed to listen to children and young people across Sandwell. Set up in 2014, the programme focuses on 5 Every Child Matters outcomes; staying safe, being healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, and economic wellbeing.
SHAPE has lots going on, from events like SHAPE Your Talent and its Youth Summer Fest, to its anti-bullying roadshow, national takeover challenges, survey and youth elections.
The SHAPE Forum provides children and young people (aged over 11) opportunity meet with others from across the region, organise SHAPE events and act as a consultation group for Sandwell Council services and partner agencies as well as provide a link into school councils. You can find out more and apply to get involved through the Healthy Sandwell website here.
Making Sandwell Child Friendly
Sandwell has been part of the Child Friendly Cities & Communities programme by UNICEF UK, where children’s rights are put into practice. It aims to create cities and communities where all children – whether they are living in care, using a children’s centre, or simply visiting their local library – have a meaningful say in, and truly benefit from, the local decisions, services and spaces that shape their lives.
Watch an interview with Noah from Grove Vale School and Sandwell Council Chief Executive Shokat Lal
Today and Tomorrow
Young people from Sandwell are also part of the West Midlands youth-led campaign My Tomorrow, funded by the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP), with the campaign created by young people working with the charity The Positive Youth Foundation.
The 30 Change Markers, have helped design new, educational programmes for schools to develop resilience, resolve conflict and stay safe and encourage more young people to join the movement.
You can see a session in action at George Salter Academy in West Bromwich, Sandwell
Youth Crime Commissioners
Youth Commissioners represent young people across the West Midlands and are aged under 18. They advise the Police and Crime Commissioner on issues affecting them as their peers and each neighbourhood policing area has two elected serving two year terms.
In Sandwell we have had Maria Hussain and Ayyatulahi Adgigun in the recent cycle, who has also chaired the SHAPE Forum, and you can hear from them and other youth commissioners about why they’ve enjoyed being involved in this film.
You can find out more and apply to get involved in being a Youth Commissioner here.
Just Youth
Sandwell’s Just Youth service shares what’s going on across the borough as well as provides information for children and young people needing support, advice and guidance. You can find ways to have a voice on key issues, get access to support as a looked after child or young person, and find out how to access other support services.
It also shares and connects lots of activities and opportunities for young people to connect and engage with.
Youth Space
Midland Metropolitan University Hospital’s youth forum is for 13-21 year olds who are interested in health and would like to find out more about our hospitals and community services. Youth Space’s purpose is to give young people a voice and to work with the hospital to improve services.
Each session has a focused theme, so as a young person, you will learn about how our hospitals work and have the opportunity to get involved, tell the team what’s good and what’s not so good, so they can make things better for our local population. And it’s also a great place to meet like-minded young people.
The team also help members with things like their CVs and UCAS applications. Members are treated to a fun ‘thank you’ activity every quarter, e.g. Go Karting, bowling and ice skating. Travel expenses are covered and food and drink are provided.
Sound interesting? Then call 0121 507 2671 or email the team at [email protected] to join or to find out more.
