Sharing the learning on positive youth engagement looks at youth work in the nine successful authorities, all of which are characterised by the leadership of key members and officer champions, the full engagement of young people and a set of strategies and actions to address the diverse needs of young people within the communities they serve.
Writing in the foreword to the book, Tom Wylie, chief executive at The NYA, says: "The authorities featured in this book - Gateshead, Lewisham, Lancashire, Wakefield, Derwentside, South Norfolk (with Norfolk County Council), Wirral and West Sussex - all, in the words of the (then) Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 'put young people at the heart of what local authorities do, and how they do it, recognising local authorities that harness the talents and energy of young people'. They were all distinguished by the range of devices they used to engage young people.
"Beacon status, though well earned, is only the start rather than the end of the process, of course. Authorities need to be constantly alert to their pursuit of excellence in youth engagement. We hope this book, while bringing their achievements to a wider audience, will also encourage these authorities to use their knowledge and experience to work with others to inform local practice and help make the Every Child Matters agenda real for all our young people."
Copies have been sent to all local authority and national voluntary youth organisations. Further copies are available on request. Email andyh@nya.org.uk.
