‘Young Advisors’

Young Advisors are young people aged between 15 and 21, who show community leaders and decision makers how to engage young people in community life, regeneration and renewal.

Young Advisors are trained and employed consultants who guide a range of service providers and partners about what it is like for a young person to live, work, learn and play in their neighbourhood.

·  They will help organisations 'youth proof' their practices, policies and strategies

·  They will help adults understand how to attract and maintain the interests of young people

·  They will speak out for young people, making sure their thoughts and feelings are considered in decisions that affect them

·  They will work both locally and nationally to share good practice and learn from others

·  They will engage directly with other young people to get them involved in service and neighbourhood improvements

Young Advisors are specially trained for this work following a course delivered by accredited trainers and designed by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). They are paid a respectful wage on a sessional basis.

West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust Young Advisors have achieved significant success in their role including work with the Police, Government Office North East, the Local Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership, Street Wardens and a number of Voluntary Sector Agencies.

Since the inception of the Young Advisors scheme, the model has proven to be very successful. There are now more than 39 schemes in operation across the country and a Young Advisors charity has been established to support the development of the young advisors programme nationally.

The Young Advisors have developed a function as a positive role model to their peers. Other young people aspire to take on the role and responsibility associated with being a Young Advisor and look to them for advice and guidance. Of the 20 young people who have gone through the Young Advisors programme in West Middlesbrough, all have either moved onto full time education, training or employment.