Getting the message out there – children and young people need to know how to access their rights. This session identifies children and young people who are often in need of extra support and find themselves in situations out of their control.

The main focus of the practice exchange day is to share best practice, time for networking after presentations and discussion on how practitioners can instigate change.

1. Presentations:

Black Voluntary Sector Network Wales (BVSNW)

BVSNW was formed as a direct result of the continual search by Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups and communities for the solution to prejudice, discrimination and racism they experienced. Gareth Hicks, Youth Development Officer of BVSNW provided an overview of their work and shared the success of the BME Youth Link-up Programme and the youth engagement and participation project ‘Signpost’.

Stonewall Cymru

Stonewall was founded in response to the introduction of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 and were key after some years of campaigning in its successful repeal in 2003.  Following this Stonewall conducted a survey to find out what school is actually like for young lesbian, gay and bisexual people in 21^st century Britain. Rhian Keyse, Youth and Education Officer at Stonewall Cymru presented the survey findings and providing ten key ways to support lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils at school.

Discussion around this presentation raised the issue of whether we should be sending this report into primary schools.  It was felt that there was a need to tackle the use of inappropriate language from an early age. It was also recognised that teachers are often willing to tackle the issues raised in the report but do not have the appropriate skills/training to feel comfortable in doing something about it.

NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service)

The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) is a ‘not for profit’ children’s charity which supplies legal advocacy services to children and young people across the country.  NYAS provides independent representation and advice to children and young people, ensuring that their voices are heard in all matters affecting them.  NYAS has been asked by the Welsh Assembly Government to research the kind of information and support that care leavers aged between the ages of 14-19 receive from their Local Authority about money and the type of support given to them. Valerie Marshall, from NYAS, presented on this research project and looked at ways practitioners may be able to take part.

Discussion around this piece of work revealed that in one setting only one young person was aware that they could access an advocacy service within their educational setting.

2. Evaluation: The practice exchange was well received with positive feedback from the 16 participants; a synopsis of the evaluation can be viewed here.

3. Networking: Attendees completed an Information Exchange Sheet that asked them to share ‘What they were upto at the moment?’ and ‘What do you need?’ with contact details.  These were available for sharing on the day and have since been written up and can be viewed here. This will help members to continue to network and support each other after the meeting.