YOUTH VOICE TRAINEES
EMILIE
Who are you?
My name is Emilie and my pronouns are she/her. I come from the Middlesbrough area in the North East.
MY JOURNEY TO THIS ROLE
I wanted to become a trainee youth worker because I like to help people to get their voices heard and I like to create positive change and different opportunities for young people. Over the next two years, through this job I would lie to learn new skills and I hope to achieve my level 3 qualification in youth work.
MY YOUTH VOICE VISION
The topics that I am most passionate about are mental health, drugs and alcohol, physical fitness and helping others become the best version of themselves. One change I’d love to see for young people that they can have their voices heard and that in their area they feel like a community.
A BIT OF FUN
If I could have any superpower, it would be superspeed – because it would help me be able to travel lengthy distances in a matter of seconds and I would be able to see the world more. My favourite place to chill in the North East is a beach in Scarborough because it’s relaxing listening to the waves, and it’s a good place to go with friends and family.
My life mottos are “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” and “Family is where life begins and love never ends.”
PENNY
Who are you?
Penny Rosemond. I’m from North Tyneside.
MY JOURNEY TO THIS ROLE
I want to become a Youth Voice Trainee because my previous experience in a youth-led research project sparked a real passion for amplifying the voices of my peers and those who are often unheard. Through this work, I gained a strong understanding of how vital it is to listen to young people, as they are the ones shaping our future. Their ideas provide valuable insight into what is needed for us to grow and develop together.
What do you hope to achieve or learn over the two years?
Learning how to effectively listen and act on young people’s wants and needs, developing communication skills that create space for young people to express themselves openly and stand confidently in their beliefs – whilst also making sure we have a class time and is filled with good banter and even better scran.
MY YOUTH VOICE VISION
I’m most passionate about conversations; bridging the gap between young people and adults. The importance of topics taught in schools being relevant and presented appropriately to meet young people’s needs.
One change I’d love to see for young people is their voices becoming a regular feature in decision making. If it’s for young people, it should be by young people.
A BIT OF FUN
If I could have any superpower, it would be Teleportation, I’m here there everywhere a snap of a finger and poof destination. My favourite place to chill in the North East is my garden, there’s wifi, sun and a whole kitchen of scran round the corner. The emoji that sums me up is 
.
My motto or favourite quote – “Life is but a breath” – Job 7:7, because we don’t have time to waste.
TOOLKITS
These Toolkits have been created by young people, aged 11 to 25 years, from across the North East. They were given the time, space and opportunity to be open about a variety of topics; without judgement or made to feel uncomfortable.
MENTAL HEATLH TOOLKIT
ENVIRONMENTAL TOOLKIT
POLICE AND SAFETY TOOLKIT
EDUCATION TOOLKIT
TRANSPORT TOOLKIT
Youth VoIce festival awards 2024
CASE STUDIES
Working with a group of students from High Tunstall College of Science for over 5 weeks, we facilitated in developing an idea of a campaign they could carry out as Junior Campaigners. This group consisted of 10 young people, who all had a passion to help improve the mental health of older generations who live in care homes over the Christmas period.
After a discussion on how best to help the residents, the young people decided on making 20 mental health wellbeing packs; personal hygiene items, colouring and puzzle books, hot water bottles, selection packs of chocolates, hot chocolate sachets, blankets, and so much more. They also all made individual heartfelt Christmas cards to go in each pack, to make them more personal.
Then came the decision of where the packs should go to – They ended up choosing Lindisfarne Care Home in Hartlepool, as it’s local to their school.
The young people designed a poster to go along with this, and were very proud of what they had done throughout the whole campaign. “I feel so proud of us for doing this. The elderly might have no one to buy them Christmas presents – We might have just made someone’s day”.
While YFNE staff dropped the packs off at the home, the staff extended their sincere appreciation for all the young peoples hard work and care, they stated “it is nice to see young people thinking about the elderly. Please send them all our thanks!”.
DURHAM YOUTH NETWORK CONFERENCE
A very successful Durham Youth Conference was held on the 29th March at The Durham Centre, Belmont. The event included a keynote speech from Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham and Darlington. Our own Emma Abbot and Jack Nicholls from NE Youth led a workshop session on Youth Voice and How to Practically Involve Young People.
DISCOVER YOUTH
The North East Youth Alliance launched their first Clore Discover Youth leadership programme, with 11 Young Leaders participating in the programme. Discover Youth is our online programme designed to support young people discover their leadership potential and build valuable skills which can boost their confidence, accelerate their career development, and take them one step closer to making the world a better place.
The first session was held on Thursday 14th of October 2022, where the group reflected on their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and barriers and then began to find solutions to these. It was amazing to hear these young people’s aspirations, motivations and working together.
