Top Issues
Find your way round the discussions by clicking on any of the issues below:
Find your way round the discussions by clicking on any of the issues below:
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Everyone on youth
Hello,
The UK Government, through the Department for Education, has published a paper called 'Young people's involvement in decision making'.
This paper puts forward ideas for discussion about how the UK Government should support, and involve, young people in decision making.
The British Youth Council, UK Youth Parliament and Young Mayors Network want to hear the views of young people on the... Read more
almost 2 years ago
Why can we spend so much money on war, but cant even keep Connections open?
about 2 years ago
Jeff Mowatt
If You Google this you'll find a pitch for socia investment
"The US side is presumably attempting to foster democracy in another country, which never expressed much interest and shows little real interest now. That of course is Iraq, where recent estimates indicate a cost of $1.5 billion per week.
That same amount of money, spread over five years instead of one week, would more than" cover... Read more
Charlotte Beckett
Very interesting question, Joshuaa, and thought provoking response, Jeff. Have you guys seen the various parliamentary outreach events we have this month? You can submit a question for Andrew Stunnell MP, and there's a physical event on 21st Century activism on May 23rd if you could join us.
Mohammed Ahmed
Or AimHigher. So, so sad.
Myriam Roberts
I agree Aimhigher and Connections are more important! But the real confusing thing is that Connection advisors sometimes were classed as youth workers and some times as advisor's.
Myriam Roberts
which is why some connections workers were kept and others were removed in the big remove the youth work sector last year 2011!
Hi All
Hope you're all well.
Been a while since I posted.
Just wanted to let you all know we're still fighting hard for young people. We've been speaking to the local council, our MPs and have even manage to speak to Nick Hurd under our local MPs behalf. We're moving forward in every way possible.
We are in a very strong position at the moment. As you're well aware, the riots saw young... Read more
almost 2 years ago
Myriam Roberts
This comment has been removed by the user.
Myriam Roberts
keep up the good work of giving the government and other decision makers a balanced view of young people with in the UK!
There has been some discussion around removing climate change from the curriculum. Tim Oates, a government school advisor said that climate change should not be in the curriculum in an effort to get back to the science in science. Now correct me if im wrong, but climate change is about science! And more, it can be a cross-curricular subject, its about technology, culture, economics and social issues... Read more
almost 2 years ago
Myriam Roberts
I fully support the teaching of climate change on the national curricuuum for the UK!
Mehrnaz Nayeri
I think you're absolutely right! I remember that lessons about climate change were some of the most refreshing and eye-opening ones we had. They're vital in showing how all our actions have consequences and effects on the environment, so if the government were to scrap them, all the kids would just sink into the same ignorance that our past generations had, wouldn't they? Because there isn't exactly... Read more
Voltage is a volunteering programme initially funded by V and Youth Music but now self-sustained and supported by the Sage Gateshead since funding finished in March 2011.
The project gives great opportunities for young people aged 16-25 to volunteer at various events that take place at or are organised by the Sage Gateshead, as well opportunities to shadow any worker in the building.
There are... Read more
almost 2 years ago
From a young age I was always involved with gangs. Not only this, I would also get suspended from school frequently, have trivial fights with friends and teachers and also cause unnecessary trouble. I was a troublesome child up until my parents could take it no longer – from here I was sent to Ghana to Boarding School to be away from the influences of my peers. Whilst here I had an epiphany; I learnt... Read more
about 2 years ago
Fiddy Frim
find me on twitter @MrHandsOn1 !
Onyere Kene
Wow.. Fidel. I am deeply moved by your testimony. You have certainly found the right path..Please do all you can to hold on to God and make sure you aim for the best in life. Never for one moment limit yourself. You must always see yourself the way God sees you. I work at v as a team administrator and I was happy when I saw your testimony here on the big society's big mouth website. It will be good... Read more
Ruth Hennell
Isn't it great to be motivated to do things! I met a guy last week who is super-motivated to get into the music agency, he says when someone says something is impossible then for him it is a challenge! I am sure both of you guys will be successful with an attitude like that! (will follow you on twitter am @TheRehn)
I am coming to the end of the vtalent year programme with Doncaster Youth Service, and have found it to be an amazing experience, giving me so much. Whilst helping the local Youth Service, I've met a great bunch of people, both on the programme themselves, and other workers. It's just a great shame that the project is coming to an end after a 2-year run, not to be repeated for the foreseeable future... Read more
over 2 years ago
Hannah J Wright
Hey Simon - maybe you should get in touch with Alicia? She's making a documentary about youth cuts http://www.bigsocietysbigmouth.org/members/79
Myriam Roberts
This comment has been removed by the user.
Myriam Roberts
Hi, I am on the V Talent Year with the British Youth Council and it’s a blast! I could not describe the opportunities that this work experience has given me! It is a real shame that other young people aren't going to get this in the future as it’s really helping me build a career and given me time to think about my own personal development! This type of scheme is what the government should be investing... Read more
Tracey Herald
Hi Simon and Myriam - it's great to hear that you've enjoyed your v talent year experience. This full-time volunteering project has helped young people achieve some great results - with 74% of participants progressing into further education, training or employment and 94% getting a level 2 qualification. v would love to be able to continue the v talent year programme - but unfortunately there are... Read more
I am making a documentary to highlight how the cuts to Youth Services are affecting young people and showing that the loss of them mean that young people are losing a valuable source of inspiration. I am hoping this documentary can be used to show how important these services are to young people and hopefully make a change. The inspiration these services provide us young people, help us to realise... Read more
over 2 years ago
VHenry Mackintosh
Hey Alice you should get in touch with Kenny from KIC fm - he posted on this site yesterday http://goo.gl/sEVKu also be sure to keep an eye on the projects page as more people start to post on there: http://www.bigsocietysbigmouth.org/actions
Tracey Herald
Hey Alicia - good to meet you today and hear more about your film project. It's a great opportunity to highlight the fantastic work being done by youth projects to help young people build their skills and self-confidence. Glad that you're connected to the Big Mouth project - and can help us find other ways to give young people a voice.
Alicia Bailey
It was nice meeting you all too. Thank you for helping me out with my project, I really appreciate it. : )
Kate VInspired
Hi Alicia, great to meet you and speak soon!
Mongrel UK - music theatre that bites!
This is a youth theatre based at The Sage Gateshead that creates beautiful and poignant stories that tell of home, relationships and life!
about 2 years ago
Hi guys,
I am aged 19 and looking for any volunteering opportunities. It can be getting involved in youth groups to anything I don`t mind. I just need something to do! Please help!
about 2 years ago
Kate VInspired
Hi Belinda,
Thanks for your message and welcome to the site. To find a wide range of volunteering opportunities head to www.vinspired.com
It's really easy to search for opportunities by postcode or your interests.
There's also lots of discussions about volunteering on this site if you want to talk about volunteering too! http://bigsocietysbigmouth.org/issues/volunteering
Let me know if I can... Read more
belinda Fumai
Hi Kate, Thank you for your msg, I shall get onto the site and look for opportunities. Thanks again. And will let you know if need anymore help. Thanks
Are We a Lost Generation?
The big statement that is floating over the heads of many young people today is whether we are a ‘Lost Generation.’ Personally, I would argue against this, the reason being that the generation of young people coming through is better equipped to be more successful, than those who state that we are a ‘lost generation.’
There is a shift in movement and in understanding... Read more
about 2 years ago
Thea Bredie
Good post Sabirul, thank you for helping to inspire young people to take charge of their lives:-).
Charlotte Beckett
Very inspirational stuff - thanks Sabirul. Are you perhaps being a bit harsh on the previous generation though. Don't we all have something to learn from each other, no matter how old we are? Can a united community do more than a generationally divided one?
Sabirul Islam
Thanks for the postive comments :-) The voice of youth has to be heard which is why I had to write something quite deep in that sense. Yes it may be harsh, but for youth to have such an 'unwanted' tag line it already demotivates them. I'm sure, if everyone works together, the problem can be solved much quicker...but to gain unity can often be a challenge on its own!
Charlotte Beckett
Hi Sabirul - we've set up an account for you as a guest blogger (have DM'd the details to you on Twitter). That will allow you to post more blogs in future if you wish.
Kathy Marshall
"So it’s a matter about ignoring what others say about you personally or a generation as a whole!"
And ignoring the tuition fees too? Because I'd imagine that's one of the things stopping a lot of people who fancy being a doctor.