Welcome!
Summer holidays are nearly upon us and we hope you have lots of fun things planned. Well done to those of you who have been completing exams over the past few months. If your at a loss as to what to do over the summer then make sure you check out the opportunities below, and as always, get in touch if you want any support or advice on speaking up about an issue in your local area.
Mental health survey
 As you should be aware, this year's Make Your Mark survey found that mental health is the top issue for young people in Devon. So, we're doing something about it!
We are working alongside NHS Devon to better understand what support is needed so that resources can be allocated in the most appropriate way. And to do that, we have created a survey so that you can give us your views!
The survey is for anyone of secondary school or college age living in Devon, Plymouth or Torbay – even if you are currently not attending school/college. It is anonymous, and the results will then be shared with the Integrated Care Board who make decisions about mental health services across Devon, Torbay and Plymouth.
👉 Let us know your views in our mental health survey!
📆 The survey close 30 September, but the sooner we get your views, the more time we'll have to plan our follow up event.
We often share opportunities to have your voice heard, but we don't always tell you about what happens when you've shared your voice. So, here are two projects that have happened over the past few months where young people have used their voice to make a difference!
Ivybridge Young People's Community Economic Consultation
Young people aged 16-24 living, working or receiving an education in Ivybridge shared their views on what they felt Ivybridge needs. And these opinions have helped shape the Community Economic Plan for Ivybridge.
The consultation was supported by a young people's steering group from Ivybridge Community College, who created the online survey and an interactive map where people could add quick comments about improvements or issues in the area.
From the results, two task groups have been set up looking at public transport and young people's services.
You can view the results and read more on the Young Ivybridge website.
Exeter Peer Action Collective (PAC)
Exeter Peer Action Collective (PAC), which is a funded nationwide programme aimed at reducing youth violence in the UK, are conducting a research project into how young people view trusted adults, and how trusted adults can help lower youth violence.
Exeter PAC will be launching the findings of their research next month, but there's still time to get involved! At the Exeter PAC the research takes the form of either a 45-60-minute focus group session or 10 minute 1-1 interviews, on the focus topic of trusted adults. The young people they want to interview are between the ages of 11 and 20. If you want to have your views heard contact contact Chris May.
Participation and voice workers meeting
Did you know we meet as Participation and voice workers? Well, we haven't met for a while but our next meeting will be on the 23 July from 2-3:30pm. This meeting is for anyone working with young people and supporting them to get their voice heard.
If you would be interested in joining our meeting, please get in touch and we can send you the calendar invite.
Vaping survey
In our Make Your Mark survey, you voted Vaping as the second most important concern for young people in Devon, and there is a great opportunity for your to have your say further on this issue.
Stop for Life Devon and ICE Creates have joined forces to explore your views and experiences of vaping and what can be done to support young people stopping.
They are looking for volunteers to take part in a 30min telephone survey to discuss your views and experiences of vaping. And for taking part they will reward you with a shopping voucher worth up to £20!
If you are interested in taking part, please complete the expression of interest form.
Become a Changemaker with the Peer Action Collective
Exeter Peer Action Collective (Exeter PAC) are looking for young people aged 10-20 who want to make a difference to join the team and help make change happen.
You don't need any qualifications or previous experience, just an open mind, a willingness to learn and a passion for making change happen. Full details are available here.
If you'd like to become a changemaker, please email Molly Taylor or Chris May.
Remember, the Devon Youth Council Network is about your voice! So keep letting us know how to improve it, what you want to see in your newsletters and on social media.
If you are part of a school council or similar group where you represent the views of others – let us know what you're talking about. Or, if you, or your group have a cause or issue you want to see changed then let us know, maybe we can help!
And we always want to hear about the great things you are doing and feature more you in our monthly newsletter. If you have any great stories you want to share, or want to consult with a wider group of young people, please let us know using our submissions form.
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Join our WhatsApp group
We have set up a WhatsApp group where you can find out opportunities as they arise, as well as being able chat with other young people about the issues that matter to you.
The WhatsApp group will be for young people only. If you would like to join, please email us with your mobile number, and we will add you to the group.
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Are you passionate about making a difference in your community but don't know how? Do you want to bring about a positive change surrounding a specific issue? If so, please get in touch!
We would love to hear about what you are doing! And we can also help support you and signpost you to resources that can help you bring about the change you want to see.
There's a lot more to our Youth Council Network than this newsletter too! As well as the opportunities and events mentioned above, we also run a network for workers who support young people to have a voice either within their community or within an organisation. The Participation and Voice Workers Network meet every six weeks for peer support, to share resources and to create opportunities for youth voice to be heard countywide. If you are a worker and would like to be part of this network, please get in touch!
Email participation@devon.gov.uk, or contact us via our socials (see below).
Additionally, if you've received this lovely newsletter but aren't a member of our network yet, you can sign up to the Devon Youth Council here.
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