OTHER VOICE MATTERS

PANORAMA: ONLINE BULLYING 
Panorama is looking at the issue of online bullying for a programme that is due to be broadcast in late January or early February. The programme will look at a broad range of things that can happen online - from unwanted tags and comments on Facebook and other social networks, to nastiness on Twitter, and also fake websites.  They'll be looking at issues involving young people and also adults, probably with the involvement of a celebrity who has encountered harassment or bullying online. They'll be asking what parents can do if they discover their child is being bullied online. Are the social networks up to the job of clamping down on it? What duty of care to schools have? What role does the law have to play? Hopefully it will be a comprehensive investigation  of the issues around a growing phenomenon that appears to be affecting large numbers of children and adults. They are hoping to base the programme on the stories of young people and adults who have been affected by the issue. To get involved, please contact Declan Lawn, Reporter - Panorama, BBC m. 07968 904656 t. 028 90338360 (Posted 28/11/11) 

ENGAGING YOUNG PEOPLE IN DEMOCRACY ? a comprehensive guide - How do you get young people to turn out for local and national elections and participate in local decision making? Where councils have taken positive steps to involve young people in decision making, they have been impressed by their interest and commitment. To read the Guide, click here. (Posted 01/11/11)

SOMERSET SCOUTS are proud to present their new promotional message on video.  it's fun and won't take too long to watch - so give it a go by clicking here. (Posted 28/09/11)

WHO'S LISTENING TO THE BIG SOCIETY?  The SW Forum has published a report about how social purpose organisations in the region get their voices heard.  it includes results of a survey, information on assemblies and forums  and some case studies.  Find out more by clicking here. (Posted 17/08/11) 

SOUTH WEST MPs - Click here to access a list of the South West MPs and their key interests.  (Posted 25/5/11) 

EQUALITY BRIEFING TO S.W. MPs Equality SW has produced a briefing for MPs in the SW around the Equality Act and some of the current issues and concerns.  There is some useful information here so take a moment to look at it.  (Posted 17/05/11) 

SAVE CHILDREN'S PLAY - Play England has launched Save Children's Play - a resource that communities can use to establish their own local campaigns for children's play and be part of a national movement at the same time.  In a climate of massive public spending cuts, the play sector faces its most difficult challenge since the 1980's. Local authorities are facing tough decisions on spending, and children's play is being hit hard. Play England have put together an Action Pack with simple steps on campaigning to help you Save Children's Play where you live (Posted 5/3/11) 

CALL TO ACTION! -  Orange is launching a new iPhone app today which includes the ability to map and rate places to play. There is currently no national picture of places for children to play and together with their partners at Play England they are looking to build a national play map.  Love Outdoor Play is about creating visible communities of support for play and that is exactly what this app helps to do. By actively mapping where is good and where is not so good for play many children, parents and decision makers can help to improve outdoor play for us all.  Taking part is easy. Just follow these steps.
1. Visit http://dosomegood.orange.co.uk/
2. Download the iPhone app (if you haven’t got an iPhone, borrow one!)
3. Start mapping by doing the short survey for each location.
(Posted 07/04/11)

COUNTING THE CUTS (Children England Members Cuts Survey Report) - Counting the Cuts summarises the findings from the survey which asked about the impact of public sector spending cuts on Children England members’ funding, staffing and volunteering and service capacity and on the communities they serve.  70 member organisations took part in the survey.  Unsurprisingly the majority of their members are experiencing budget cuts this year and facing anxiety about the future.  The overall picture is of a squeezed sector trying to juggle a number of competing challenges and demands: funding cuts and threats, late decision making from local authorities and increased demand from children, young people and families.   Children England’s membership is diverse and so the picture is mixed in terms of experiences and also funding ratios and models. Click here to view the report. (Posted 07/04/11)

NO HEALTH WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH - The Government has published a mental health strategy designed to improve outcomes, improve quality and maximise resources."No Health without Mental Health" has a number of shared objectives and plans for indicators to measure and track improvements.   The strategy refers to the many factors impacting upon the mental health of young people and sets out steps to improve services. The concept of early intervention and prevention is evident throughout the strategy. Click here to view the full document.  (Posted 9/2/11)

REGIONAL SUBMISSION TO EDUCATION SELECT COMMITTEE REVIEW - Please read the response made by the Regional Youth Work Unit on behalf of the South West youth work sector to the Education Select Committee Inquiry into Young People's Services (Posted 21/12/10)