A group of young people brought together by Liverpool City Council to make sure youth organisations are working well for them, are looking for more people to join their project.
The ‘Young Inspectors’ give advice on whether they think provisions are safe and that organisations are living up to their commitments in prioritising and protecting young people.
This initiative also forms part of the Council’s overall ambition to become a UNICEF Child Friendly City by 2028.
After receiving training, the ‘Young Inspectors’ assess projects in a number of ways including taking part in ‘mystery shopping’, interviewing focus groups and attending youth centres and events such as young people’s raves and outdoor events. They then report back to organisations and service users with findings.
Now aged 17, Sha-rae has been a Young Inspector for almost 8 years. She said: “Before I joined the Young Inspectors, I was quite shy and felt that I didn’t have a voice. Now I can say I have been involved is so many big decisions and I have met loads of new friends. I think this is a really good opportunity to have a say in the things that happen and it’s helped with my confidence too.”
Cllr Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said: “We are extremely grateful to our Young Inspectors for sharing their insight and points of view with us and other organisations across the City.
“The group have been actively involved in important projects including working alongside City Council and Merseyside Police to help shape decisions. They’ve also recently supported a city-wide Needs Assessment for our youth provision.
“It is vital that we listen to our young people and that their voices are at the heart of our decision making. The contribution our Young Inspectors make is invaluable and I would encourage as many people as possible to sign up to this amazing initiative.”
Become a Young Inspector
If you’re aged between 11-19 years old or up to 25 for those with SEND please get in touch to become a Young Inspector.
The team will be at Muddy Footprints’ (Garston Adventure Playground) Bowden Road, L19 1QP – Thursday 16 May, 5.30-6.30pm
All Youth Inspectors receive full support, training, and wide access to opportunities.
For any more information about the ‘Young Inspectors’ programme, please email YouthParticipationNetwork@liverpool.gov.uk
