Young people are shaping change
Many young people have told us they are worried about the current cost of living; the pressure to succeed in education; challenges they or their friends have with mental health and accessing services; racism; knife crime and access to good careers.
These are big issues and concerns.
ARE wants to address some of these issues to create better futures for all young people.
One way to brighter prospects for young people is through access to better employment opportunities.
Our Building Ethnic Diversity in the Youth Employability Sector programme, funded by the Youth Futures Foundation, is aiming to improve pathways for young ethnic minority people into good careers and employment. Our panel, called the Youth Action Network, was launched as part of this programme.
About the Youth Panel
We are inviting Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and minority ethnic young people across England to join ARE’s Youth Action Network.
No experience is too big or too small. We believe young people know best when it comes to the issues affecting them.
What will it involve?
The Youth Action Network is our dedicated youth panel. It shapes a range of activities to help improve employment prospects for young Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and ethnic minority people in England including:
- Inputting into the services offered by national employability organisations
- Meeting with and learning from other young people about their career journeys and jobs
- Coming up with social media ideas, campaigns and content for our channels.
Members will be paid to share thoughts on employment and the services needed to help young people.
How do to apply?
Applications are now open. To be eligible you must be aged 16 – 24, and from a Black, Asian, Mixed heritage or minority ethnic background.
Aspiring Youth Action Network members must fill out a short form to express their interest. The answers to these will be assessed by the Youth Action Network Lead and ARE’s Deputy Chief Executive, and young people will be shortlisted. Alternatively, you can also send us a 2-minute video answering the questions in the form.
Will I get paid?
Yes, you will be paid the London Living Wage (£13.95 per hour), regardless of where you are in the country. The Youth Action Network is open to young people across England.
You will also have the chance to win a range of vouchers whilst on the panel for involvement in different activities and competitions.
Thank you to the generous funding of the Youth Futures Foundation.
We’re really excited to be part of a collective that will ensure young people and their voices [through ARE’s Youth Panel] help shape stronger opportunities for under-represented young people across England. This work will have a long-lasting, positive, and direct impact , improving the quality of life our young people and their peers”
Syed Uddin, Head of Charity
Leaders in Community, London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Did you know?
A recent survey of over 2000 young people carried out by the Youth Futures Foundation found:
It also stated that “personalised, flexible provision, holistic employment support, and access to learning or paid work experience can all help overcome these challenges.”
Members will be working with Action for Race Equality to change these findings.
