Youth Advisory Groups
- Are you interested in youth issues in your local area?
- Do you want to become involved in making decisions about services for young people?
Become involved in Youth Advisory Groups!
Youth Advisory Groups (YAGs) were set up in 2003 to give a voice to young people in local democratic processes. There are 10 YAGs which cover all of Liverpool neighbourhood Committee areas.
Each YAG is made up of young people from across the area and up to 2 elected member representatives. The YAGs meet at least 5 times per year. The meetings are supported by a youth worker, but young people set the agendas.
Discussion is held on any topic which is of concern or interest to the young people in the area and, many YAGs have chosen to invite representatives from other agencies, such as Merseyside Police and Connexions, in order to ask questions and raise issues of concern
In addition to establishing a voice for young people within the political process, Liverpool City Council has allocated a £5000 Youth Initiative Fund to each of the 10 YAGs for distribution to applicants from within each Neighbourhood Area. Applications are made by small, local organisations working with young people or by groups of young people themselves, usually supported by a youth worker.
The young people on the YAG have the responsibility to consider the applications, to apply a set of written criteria and to decide which ideas merit funding and which will be rejected. The Youth Service has provided support including training, team-building workshops and residential and young people have been keen to access these opportunities and have given considerable time and commitment to their role.
Contact your local youth centre to find out how you can become involved with your local YAG.
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