One Voice Youth Network (OVYN) is a forum for young people who are looked after by Gateshead Council or in contact with the children and families service. OVYN was set up in May 2000, with a small development group leading the way, helping to create a mechanism which aimed to influence decision making.

Five years on and OVYN has continued to grow and gain credibility as an effective forum and is seen by decision makers as one of the main forums for accessing involvement of young people. OVYN Currently has 79 members.

The group have membership on to Gateshead Youth Assembly. The 2003-2005 chair of GYA was a OVYN member. To date he has been the only person to hold the position as chair two years running. During his time as chair he enjoyed a wide range of experiences including representing Gateshead at the Euro Cities conference in Bergen and Stockholm and having tea with Tony Blair PM.

Young people have participated in a number of creative arts projects to express their views and feelings about what is it like to be looked after. Recently OVYN members raised funds to plan and deliver a multi agency health event to promote all aspects of living a healthy lifestyle. They have met with various decision makers in questions times, visited scrutiny committees and have visited parliament.

OVYN meets monthly in a committee style although members come together more often than this to participate in various projects. They also meet annually to create their development plan and to elect their executive board.

If you require any further information, please call Andrea or Chris on 0191 4332396 or e-mail rights@gateshead.gov.uk.