At a recent Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Meeting young people spoke to Councillors about their experiences of engaging with mental health services. It was decided that there should be a joint meeting between the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Childrens Overview and Scrutiny where they would have more time to speak with young people about their experiences. A report has been written for this meeting around children and young people’s mental health and young people are being invited to attend and speak again directly to Councillors on the two Committees about their experiences.

The Health professionals who lead Mental Health Services in the District will also be in attendance to present the report so this is a really great opportunity for young people to really have their voices heard directly by those who make the decisions about the allocations of funding to mental health services.

There is to be a preparation session for any young people who wish to be involved in this on Thursday 13 October at 4.30pm at Margaret McMillan Tower in Bradford City Centre. This is to ensure we capture all the points young people would wish to raise with the Committee/s. The actual Joint Committee Meeting is on Thursday 27 October at 4.30pm at Margaret McMillan Tower.  Please let Heather Wilson know if you intend to attend either / both of these events

• Safeguarding Week – “Youth Can.......”

There is a full programme of activities around safeguarding taking place during the forthcoming safeguarding week – particularly these events are to support adults working with young people, but specifically we have an event for young people – details below, please encourage and support young people to attend.

20 October - Youth Voice Event – Youth Can,  5pm – 7pm Venue: Hockney Conference Room, Margaret McMillan Tower, Princes Way, Bradford, BD1 1NN - Young people will be invited to participate in a series of workshops that will enable them to understand how they can help keep their peers safe. Young people will also showcase ways they make Bradford a safe place to live. This will be an interactive session to raise awareness of safeguarding and the important role young people play in making Bradford a safe and great place to live. Please book via: russell.wordsworth@bradford.gov.uk

For the full programme of safeguarding activity please click here

• Takeover Challenge – Friday 18 November

This year's takeover challenge – giving young people opportunity to “Takeover” adult roles for the day and to be decision makers and influencers is due to launch on Friday 18 November. We are looking for organisations to hand over the reins of power to young people they work with, or young people from neighbouring organisations.  Attached below is the promotional flyer, top tips for professionals to help you plan the day and the professionals offer – let us know what you can offer and we can supply certificates and badges and items to support your Takeover.  We also know that each organisation has a range of trusted colleagues and partner organisations who you may be able to talk to and who may also be able to provide unique opportunities for young people you are working with, but if you struggle to find opportunities within your organisation or through your networks let us know and we will see what we can do to support.

• Employment opportunity – 6 hours per week

Wrose Adventurers are looking to recruit a coordinator to support their work with young people aged between 11 and 25 years with Asperger’s Syndrome or high functioning autism. Closing date 28 October - further details on flyer attached. 

Job Advert - WAA Coordinator

Professionals offer contact details

Takeover Challenge

Top Tips for Professionals - Sept 16

WAA Info Sheet

YP application for participation in Takeover Challenge - Aug 16 (2)