Youth Combined Authority
An audio descriptive version of the video is here
There are lots of benefits to being a member of the Liverpool City Region Youth Combined Authority.
Some of the most important are:
Two hours per week with commitments to weekend meetings/events from time to time. There may also occasionally be tasks to do or catch ups to hold outside of these meetings.
Opportunity to have a say is great as a young person.
The group meets online from 8pm to 9:30pm on Monday evenings during term time. There are occasional in person meetings at Mann Island in Liverpool City Centre that we will also let you know about.
We understand that from time to time, you may not be able to attend. However, as a rule we say you won’t be able to miss more than three sessions, unless this has been discussed with us in advance and there is a valid reason for your absence.
No, meetings will be outside of school/college time. Any commitments for school or for education will be acknowledged, e.g. if you have to go on a school trip, parental concerns around exam preparation etc. and we will work around these.
The meetings are usually online but we also meet in person around once a term. We understand that members of the YCA will be from different parts of the city region so we would base any in person meetings in a location accessible to public transport, e.g. usually the offices of the Combined Authority where the Mayor is based.
Yes, although the exact process for this is still to be finalised. You would either be provided with a ticket in advance or reimbursed later.
Meeting will be a mix of fun activities, debate, training, media awareness. Emphasis on the fun!
Lots of the themes will be linked to the work of the Metro Mayor and the work of the Combined Authority so you get to have your say and influence the decisions he makes. (E.g. transport, climate, jobs and skills, housing). You’ll also be able to raise the issues that matter to you in your areas and use the group to raise these with the Metro Mayor.
You will be assigned particular tasks and jobs but these will vary from project to project so that you can develop different skills and confidence.
Yes, you will. They will be associated with the work that the CA and Metro Mayor are working on, but there is also an opportunity for you to bring ideas and campaigns of your own to the table.
Yes! We are here to help you to develop any skills you would like but also help you develop skills that will enhance career/life prospects, e.g. building confidence, public speaking, planning, research etc. The group will be a safe space to give your opinions and will be inclusive to all regardless of your background or ability. The group will be run by experienced youth workers. We want everyone to be able to have a voice.
The list is huge! This can range from learning how to run a survey to understanding your local area, through to being involved in events. You’ll have so much fun that you won’t even realise you’re learning and growing!
We would like to be able to work with you for two years, regardless of your age. For example, even if you turn 18 within that two-year period, we’d still want you to continue to be a member of the group.
As this is a new development, this is something we can discuss with you and you can help to shape what the next steps should look like.
No, it won’t be a barrier. On the application form, we ask you to tell us your needs so that we can best support you to be involved.
Yes, you can. Please tell us what support you need.
The link to the application form is here.
Yes please, there is a question on the application form for your parent/carer/guardian to give their consent and contact details, so we can inform them of any marketing, media, travel processes.
If you don’t get into the first YCA, we would still want to engage with you. The Youth Combined Authority is just one element of the Metro Mayor’s approach towards youth engagement. In addition, we have set up a network called Metro Mayor’s Youth Impact. It’s a more informal way in which young people and youth organisations engage with us. If you are not successful, you will become a member of Metro Mayor’s Youth Impact. You’ll hear from us from time to time to time with different opportunities to get involved in the work of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, e.g. via surveys and workshops. This will give you the chance to develop skills and ensure your voice is heard. This option might be more suitable if you can’t to commit to being a member of the YCA but still want to be involved.
As a general rule, we say that the group is for young people from 13 to 18 or 13 to 25 if you are from a SEND background or a young person who is looked after or in social care or support. We are however accepting applications from young people from the age of 11, so if you aren’t yet 13 – but are really keen to get involved – we’d encourage you to apply.