Welcome to our Youth Voice groups. Our established groups are designed to provide a welcoming, safe, and inspiring space for young people to connect and offer feedback on the work of TfC and to share their thoughts on issues that affect young people in Sunderland. We offer a variety of groups tailored to different backgrounds and experienced all led by passionate leaders from within TfC
All groups are a safe space where young people can discuss issues relevant to them. In Sunderland we are committed to listening to children and young people. We want to involve you at every opportunity to ensure their voice is heard.
Change Council
Change Council are a group of young people aged 7 to 11 (Change Council Mini), 12-15 (Change Council) and 16 to 25 (Change Council older) who are currently cared for or care experienced. The groups campaign for change across Sunderland and the North East and are involved in the design and delivery of services.
The two Change Council groups meet fortnightly on alternative Wednesdays at The Sandhill Centre. Change Council Mini meet monthly on a Monday at The Sandhill Centre.
Sunderland Youth Council are a group of young people aged 11-19 (up to 25 for SEND and care experienced) acting as a voice for young people across the city and campaigning on issues voted for by Sunderland's young people.
Young Commissioners involve a diverse range of young people in decision making, all the way from he design process to the evaluation and feedback of a service. Anyone from 11 to 18 years old (25 SEND or care experienced) can apply and will receive full training in the commissioning cycle, report writing and evaluations, along with many more new and exciting skills.
The group meet fortnightly on alternative Mondays at The Sandhill Centre.
STARS are a group of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 11 to 25 who represent the voices of our young people across the city. The group campaign on issues relevant to them and help shape services across the city.
The group meet fortnightly on alternative Mondays at The Sandhill Centre.
We have launched two WhatsApp Channels to amplify the voices of young people in our city. One channel is dedicated to cared for/care experienced young people, and the other is for SEND young people. These channels are also beneficial for parents, carers, workers and teachers to stay informed about ongoing activities and participation opportunities. These channels are designed for secure, one-way communication, ensuring that no one can respond or comment back.
Please encourage any young people you are working with to follow these channels!
How we capture the wider voice of young people
We recognise that not everyone prefers to attend groups but still has valuable views and opinions. To ensure we capture the broader voice of young people, we are implementing the following strategies:
Visiting children's homes: engaging directly with young people in their living environments.
Collaborating with other groups: working with various groups of young people across TfC.
Sharing opportunities: providing information about involvement opportunities through workers who can share with young people.
Creating a youth pool: developing a pool of young people to deliver training and participate in interviews.
WhatsApp broadcast channels: Sharing opportunities, events, and polls through our WhatsApp broadcast channels.
We value every young person's voice and are committed to making sure it is heard. Please share these opportunities with your young people and if you have anyone interested in being a part of these opportunities email [email protected]
Join our Youth Voice WhatsApp channels
Watch our 2023 / 2024 Youth Voice reflection video below:
