Youth Engagement

What is Gateshead Youth Assembly?

Gateshead Youth Assembly is a great example of what can happen if you give young people support and opportunities.  The GYA is a democratically elected body of young people who meet at least once a month to discuss current issues.  The Executive and sub committees meet between times to prepare the ground for the full meetings.  The delegates grow in confidence and go on to challenge the status quo both locally and nationally.  The GYA provides support and the appropriate training for its members throughout the year starting with a training weekend right at the start just after the elections.

What Gateshead Youth Assembly does 

¢         It represents young people aged between 11-19 years old;

¢         It provides a voice for young people;

¢         It is democratic;

¢         It consults with those in positions of power;

¢         It provides training for its members;

¢         It provides a forum for discussion and debate;

¢         It meets at least ten times each year;

¢         It has links with Regional links;

¢         It is supported by Gateshead Council and Gateshead Youth Council.

What being part of GYA means

Being part of the GYA means you have usually been chosen by your peers as the best person to represent them.  It is quite a responsibility, and can be time consuming.  If you decide that this is not for you then, please, get in touch with your link teacher at school or the GYA support workers as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made for someone to take your place.

As a delegate you will be expected to attend a training weekend at the start of the GYA year, a meeting every month at Gateshead Civic Centre and, if you are elected to the Executive Committee or join one of the sub committees, you will be expected to attend further meetings. 

These meetings will usually be held at the Gateshead Youth Council offices on Gladstone Terrace, Gateshead.  During the year we do try to have various trips and visits, some as part of GYA work and others for fun, you will be expected to take part in organising these events and taking part in the actual event.

Being part of the GYA can be very rewarding and can lead on to other things - such is the power of networking - but it is not for everyone.  If, at any time, you feel that it is not for you, then just let us know.  Don't feel like you have to keep coming just because you were elected.  Arrangements to have a new election or have someone nominated in your place can be arranged.  This way, the place is filled by someone who really wants to be there.