Young Wales Newsletter October 2023 www.childreninwales.org.uk
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Welcome
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Blaenau Gwent Youth Forum Anti-bullying campaign
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Celebrating Diversity and Equality: The LGBTQ Community’s Journey Towards Acceptance
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Empowering young voices through our consultations work
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What’s Next
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Young Volunteer quote
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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the UN Report
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A New Project for Young Wales - The Youth Voice Network
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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and the National Participation Standards – Why does it matter?
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Celebrating Black History Month and championing the diversity of children and young people in Wales Welcome to Young Wales’ October newsletter which focuses on celebrating Black History Month and sharing good practice for valuing and prioritising equality, diversity and inclusion. Black History Month takes place every October and celebrates the contributions of black people to British society. Here, we capture the positive work organisations are doing with children and young people to champion diversity.
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Blaenau Gwent Youth Forum Anti-bullying campaign Previous Youth Mayor for 2021/2022 Chloe Lines wanted to talk about her experiences of bullying and create a campaign to encourage children & young people to talk. Working together as a Youth Forum with Cymru Creations Film Company the group developed a script and created a film for the project. The Youth Forum recognised that there are many ways in which a child or young person can be bullied and wanted to create something that was authentic. The film explores •
someone not fitting in and being left out
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someone not being accepted due to their sexuality
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someone being treated unfairly due to learning disability and
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someone being physically bullied.
The stories within the film a real life stories shared in order to raise awareness and encourage Children & Young People to talk. The film was launched at the end of 2022 and was submitted to the Children’s International Film Festival Wales, where I am pleased to say the film has been nominated for the final stages of the award. At this stage we do not know the outcome and will find out the end of October if the Blaenau Gwent Youth Forum have won. I am sure you will agree that this is an amazing tribute to Blaenau Gwent Youth forum who continue work together to tackle issues that affect Children & Young People. You can look at the film using the links below which has bilingual subtitles. Tackling bullying and encouraging children and young people to talk | Blaenau Gwent CBC (blaenau-gwent.gov.uk)
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Celebrating Diversity and Equality: The LGBTQ Community’s Journey Towards Acceptance Harvey Marshall
In recent years, the LGBTQ community has made significant strides towards achieving equality and acceptance. With the tireless efforts of activists, allies, and community members, progress has been made in dismantling barriers and promoting inclusivity.
However, despite these advancements, challenges persist. Discrimination and prejudice continue to hinder the full inclusion of the LGBTQ community. Hate crimes and acts of violence remind us of the importance of ongoing advocacy and education.
One of the key milestones in this journey was the legalization of same-sex marriage in many countries around the world. This landmark decision recognized the love and commitment of LGBTQ couples, granting them the same rights and privileges as their heterosexual counterparts.
In response to these challenges, LGBTQ organizations and support networks have emerged, providing resources and safe spaces for individuals to connect and find support. These organizations play a vital role in promoting mental health, offering counseling services, and advocating for LGBTQ rights at local, national, and international levels.
Alongside legal victories, societal attitudes have also evolved. More and more people are embracing the LGBTQ community, challenging stereotypes, and fostering a culture of acceptance. Pride parades and events serve as powerful symbols of unity, where individuals from all walks of life come together to celebrate diversity and promote LGBTQ rights.
The LGBTQ community has also found a powerful voice in popular culture. Through movies, television shows, and music, LGBTQ stories are being told, fostering empathy and understanding among wider audiences. This representation helps break down stereotypes and encourages dialogue around LGBTQ issues.
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Education is another crucial aspect of advancing LGBTQ rights. Schools and educational institutions are increasingly implementing inclusive curricula that teach acceptance, respect, and diversity. By promoting LGBTQinclusive education, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society. It is important to recognize that the journey towards full equality is ongoing. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done. Supporting LGBTQ individuals, challenging discrimination, and advocating for equal rights are responsibilities that we all share.
In conclusion, the LGBTQ community has made significant strides towards equality and acceptance. Legal victories, evolving societal attitudes, and the emergence of support networks have contributed to this progress. However, challenges and discrimination persist, highlighting the need for ongoing advocacy and education. By celebrating diversity, promoting inclusivity, and challenging prejudice, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is embraced and valued.
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Empowering young voices through our consultations work Rachel Clement
In June and July, Young Wales embarked on a mission to ensure that the voices of children and young people across Wales were not only heard, but also actively valued in the decision making processes by Welsh Government. Embracing the principles of article 12 of the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child, which emphasises children’s right to be heard in matters affecting them, these consultations play a pivotal role in shaping policies and regulations that directly impact the lives of young individuals. In this article, we reflect on the three consultations held during these months.
Consultation 1 – CRIA and Pupil engagement Independent schools •
Catch 22
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Kings Monkton
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Woodlands Limited
Our journey began with a focus on independent schools. Young Wales facilitated consultations with three independent schools, connecting with 17 children and young people. These sessions, conducted online, were designed to gather input and insights to inform the development of independent school standards regulations. The active participation of these young people played a crucial role in ensuring that regulations align with their needs and expectations. Here is some of their valuable insights. “We are all different in our school and we are taught to respect each other and the teachers” “I feel valued and listened to; like when asked to be involved in staff interviews it is good that they want the pupils’ views”
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Some outcomes suggested by the pupils: •
Respecting others – there needs to be more opportunities and experiences.
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Reporting when something isn’t right in the Building – there needs to be more opportunities for feedback and how this can be done anonymously e.g. emailing, suggestion box etc.
Consultation 2 – Attendance and Behaviour 1. Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng, Welshpool – Powys County Council
The consultation process involved introductions, an ice breaker, a statement exercise and group discussions with rotating questions to facilitate comprehensive feedback collection. Each consultation took place in the school settings for an hour with 10 pupils in the same year groups. Some outcomes suggested by the pupils: •
To use Clear and accessible language
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A child friendly version for children / young people and their parents
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Visual aids / diagrams should be considered to improve the accessibility and comprehension of the guidance
2. Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd, Newtown – Powys county council 3. Alun School, Mold – Flintshire 4. CCYD, Bridgend – Bridgend County Council 5. Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, Carmarthen – Carmarthen County Council 6. Mountain Ash Comprehensive School – Rhondda Cynon Taff The second consultation took place in collaboration with six schools, involving 175 children and young people ranging from ages 6 – 17. This consultation centred on the belonging, engaging and participating draft guidance document. Through interactive sessions, pupils shared their thoughts, concerns and valuable suggestions, helping to refine and improve the draft guidance. “There’s too many words, the document needs to be summarised” “There needs to be more guidance for parents and young people”
Consultation 3 – The all-Wales Travel Behaviour Code 1. Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng, Welshpool – Powys County Council 2. Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd, Newtown – Powys County Council 3. Alun School, Mold – Flintshire 4. CCYD, Bridgend – Bridgend County Council 5. Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, Carmarthen – Carmarthen County Council 6. Mountain Ash Comprehensive School – Rhondda Cynon Taff In the third consultation we turned our attention to the all-Wales Travel Behaviour code in schools. With thanks to the six schools that took part, we engaged with 69 children and young people between the ages of 5 and 16. These sessions were designed to gather insights regarding the travel behaviour code, including
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two-part posters and documents. The young people shared their thoughts and suggestions, contributing to the enhancement of travel safety and convenience for all pupils.
These consultations have not only provided valuable insights but have also empowered young voices to be active participants in shaping the future of their education.
“We need to know who we can go to if there is a problem”
On behalf of Welsh Government and Young Wales we would like to say a big thank you to all the children and young people who took part in these consultations. Each contribution has enriched the work, inspired us to do better and reaffirmed our belief in the power of young voices to shape a better future for all children and young people living in Wales.
“It should be taught to us – how are we supposed to know what our roles and responsibilities are if no one is telling us?” Suggestions for improvements by the pupils •
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Implement educational lessons or workshops on the travel behaviour code and encourage a sense of responsibility among students. This could be a pack sent to schools with a session plan that teachers could adapt to deliver to the pupils. Ensure that all children and young people are aware of the designated person at their schools whom they can approach in case of travel related issues – this can include pupils and any complaints about the bus drivers. Consider implementing awareness campaigns throughout the school year to inform pupils about this support system.
Future consultations Our commitment to amplifying the voices of children and young people does not end here. In the coming months, Young Wales will continue to engage with children and young people from across Wales, facilitating more consultations on topics that are important to you. If you would like to take part in future consultations or for more information please contact rachel.clement@childreninwales.org.uk
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s ’ t a h W ex t N Meagan Griffiths As a community, I believe we aren’t doing enough to support black women and girls. Personally, in an area that is predominantly white – it’s difficult to contact and listen to the little black women in the area…although they are there, and I aim to listen to whatever change they need and want. That excuse is no longer valid to an extent, the rise of social media granting us the ability to context those and ensure change through our devices. This newsletter for example, is a way to spread this need – as I ask for anyone to speak out and share how my area can help. As a white young person, I cannot speak on the experiences black young people experience due to the privilege with my race. During the Black Lives Matter global movement, I gained the awareness of the situation many were in, particularly those in America. I’m guilty for being blinded by it at first, not paying attention to the treatment of those surround me which I’m sure many would admit. For me, the movement
was an eye opener, highlighting the disgusting treatment of people of colour across the globe, preaching and protesting to for equality. I had attended a protest during 2020 in my local area, where I was surrounded by such passion and energy, a community banding together for change. It was an inspiration, one that is difficult to put into words, which I’m sure is a universal experience. …although what’s next? During Covid there were constant posts and protests, influencers sharing experiences to a huge audience… what do we do next? I may not be looking hard enough, which is why I share my thoughts. For change, persistence is key to influence our communities. Find things out. Question decision. Young people of colour, deserve the same treatment and and fight as those who are white.
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When you look at Black History in the UK it’s hard to believe that even during my Grandparents younger years there were no laws against segregation, and in fact it was actually happening in bars and alike and took a few years even after the law was introduced in 1965 to implement. We live in a world where children of all colours, race and religion sit side by side and see each other as equals which is amazing. Yet in the adult world we still here stories of racial inequality. I believe we as young people and adults have so much to learn from children’s innocence. I hope one day we are all seen as equals no matter what our colour, our race or our religions are.... Ayse Gulcimen Young Volunteer quote
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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the UN Report In February, Young Wales (YW) volunteers went to Geneva, to meet with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Other young people from different parts of the UK attended the meeting. There were also adults who work on children’s rights, like the Children’s Commissioners. Before this, the YW volunteers had worked with staff to co-produce a report on children’s rights in Wales. You can find the report here. The YW staff and volunteers used lots of different kinds of information to write the report. This included YW consultations, a survey, and reports from other organisations. Based on all this, they ranked 13 priority areas where they felt things needed to change. For each area, they gave recommendations for how to help children access their rights.
One of the priority areas in the report was Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). The report gave two recommendations for this area: •
Ensure young people feel safe by introducing more laws to protect us all.
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Include Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the New Curriculum for young people and training for teachers.
In May, YW volunteers went back to the UN. This time, the UN Committee talked to the UK Governments - including the Welsh Government. After this, the Committee wrote a report with recommendations for the Governments (1). It showed how the Governments could make sure children who live in the UK can access their rights.
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Part of the report focused on non-discrimination. The UN Committee said that the discrimination that exists in the UK is concerning to them. They said UK Governments, like the Welsh Government, need to come up with ways to fight discrimination. The Welsh Government is thinking about how they will respond to the recommendations. As part of this, they want to speak to young people and gather their views. In Young Wales, we are starting a UN Committee group to speak to Welsh Government about this. There will be members of the group who focus on the priority areas from the YW UN report, like EDI. If you want to get involved in this group, sign up to be a Young Wales volunteer at https://forms.office.com/e/L0a1etADvf. If you would like more information, email bethany.turner@childreninwales.org.uk
1. OHCHR - (2023). Concluding observations on the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Available at: https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/ treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CRC%2F C%2FGBR%2FCO%2F6-7&Lang=en
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A New Project for Young Wales
h t u o Y e h T k r o w t e N e Voic
In May 2021, 16 and 17 year olds had the right to vote in Wales for the first time (1). This was a great way for young people to have their say on issues that affect them. Despite this, only around half of 16 and 17 year olds registered to vote in this election (2). In UK-wide elections, only those over the age of 18 can vote. In the 2019 general election, less than half of all 18 to 24 year olds voted (3). Around 3 in 4 people over 65 voted.
Age isn’t the only factor that impacts how likely somebody is to vote. Those who have less money are much less likely to vote than those who have more money. Men are more likely to vote than women. White people are more likely to vote than those from ethnic minority backgrounds. These factors also intersect with each other. For example, older people with more money are far more likely to vote than younger people with less money.
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It is clear that certain groups of people are far less connected to democracy than others. It could be that they feel like their vote doesn’t matter (4). It could be that they feel as if nobody on the ballot would represent them. It could be that they don’t see politics and elections as important or interesting. It could be that they feel as if they don’t understand enough about politics. It could be all these things combined, or something else. In Young Wales, we have an exciting new project coming up all about elections and democracy. We are working with the Electoral Commission to help combat the issue of young people not voting.
1. Welsh Parliament (2019) 16 and 17 year olds get right to vote - a historic day for democracy in Wales. [online] Available at: https://senedd.wales/senedd-now/ news/16-and-17-year-olds-get-right-to-vote-a-historicday-for-democracy-in-wales/ 2. BBC News (2021) Welsh elections: At least 35,000 young people not registered to vote. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-walespolitics-56919775.
The Electoral Commission helps people to know how to vote and what to expect when they vote. Young Wales are creating a new Youth Voice Network with the Electoral Commission. The Network will be producing resources to help encourage young people to vote. They will also be giving their views on various Electoral Commission projects. If you want to be in this group, first sign up here https://forms.office.com/e/L0a1etADvf to volunteer with Young Wales. If you would like more information, please email bethany.turner@childreninwales.org.uk
3. IPSOS (2019) How Britain voted in the 2019 election [online] Available at https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/howbritain-voted-2019-election 4. BBC News (2017) Why the Don’t Knows aren’t voting. (2017) [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/ news/uk-england-39784404
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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and the National Participation Standards – Why does it matter? Russell Baker, Young Wales
The simple answer is that equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) is an essential part of a healthy and lively environment. The greater the diversity of individuals and ideas the more exciting, innovative and relevant the outcomes will be. The more equal people feel the more they are likely to contribute, while inclusion enables individuals or groups to feel safe, respected, motivated and engaged. Of course, there are practical reasons to consider due to protected characteristics. It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of a protected characteristic and so everyone should be given the opportunity to participate. Equal, equitable, diverse and inclusive environments foster exciting, innovative and relevant participation. The National Participation Standards were designed with EDI at their heart. •
Standard 1 states that information will be easy to understand. This allows individuals to make an informed decision which, in turn, ensures equality and equity
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Standard 2, “It’s your choice”, means that everyone is included. It is the individual’s choice to be involved, or not to be, and work on the things that are important to them
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Standard 3, “No discrimination,” could not be clearer about the need to recognise diversity. In fact, the standard goes further with a commitment to actively challenge discrimination
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If this was not enough Standard 4, “Respect,” covers it all - everyone has a right to have their say. Everyone’s opinion is important and will be respected
EDI is everyone responsibility and we all need to be explicit and active supporters, valuing everyone’s voice and giving support to enable all views to be heard. The underlying principles of EDI, through working inclusively, allows participation to flourish. The use of various processes to support EDI, eg, diverse panels, appropriate language will also enhance participation. EDI is built into the National Participation Standards; it matters because it is what we should do, but more importantly because using the principles will improve participation and outputs for the individual and the group
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