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.
Email: One Voice Youth Network