Young People's Voice (YPV)

What is Young People's Voice?

We are a group of young people at Allsorts. We represent the young people's views to the Allsorts staff team and management committee, as well as the wider community. We also organise events and activities for the young people. Here are some examples of events and activities we have run :

• LGBT Youth Conference and Prom - an event aiming to promote LGBT young people's wellbeing and awareness of their rights. The event finished with a Moulin Rouge inspired party.
• The Coconut Shy - an event raising awareness of LGBTU young people's needs to local youth workers
• Float for Pride Parade 2007 - inspired by the musical Fame
• LGBTU Youth Volunteers Awards Ceremony & Talent Show

We have recently received funding from vinvolved, the national youth volunteering programme, to develop new volunteering opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and unsure (LGBTU) young people living in Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area. The volunteering opportunities include:

• Young People's Voice Representatives - join the steering group of YPV and help us to develop the various volunteering opportunities for LGBTU young people
• LGBTU Youth Events and Projects - help us organise events and projects for LGBTU young people e.g. LGBTU Youth Prom, LGBTU Youth Talent Show, Brighton Pride Float, booklet of LGBTU young people's creative writing etc
• Homophobia / Biphobia/ Transphobia Awareness Peer Education - train as peer educators and help Allsorts staff to plan and run Homophobia/ Biphobia/ Transphobia Awareness workshops for young people at local schools, colleges and youth projects
• LGBTU Youth Strategy Action Team - help us develop an LGBTU Youth Strategy for Brighton and Hove to make sure local services meet the needs of LGBTU young people
• Allsorts Young People Representatives - sit on the Allsorts Management Committee and represent young people's views to the committee
• Activities at Allsorts Drop-in - lead or help Allsorts staff lead a one-off activity or workshop at the drop-in e.g. drama workshop, art activity, sexual health workshop etc

Quotes from YPV Volunteers

"Allsorts helped me a lot when I was growing up; it has been a great place to meet people and get involved with things around Brighton, so it only made sense that I should give some of my time back. I regret nothing!"
Gulliver, Steering Group Member

"Volunteering has helped me immensely with my self-development. I joined Allsorts with a total lack of confidence and low self-esteem but the volunteering has turned this around for me which is excellent as I want to be a teacher. Improved communication skills, team work and a more enriched CV are just some of the additional benefits!"
Hannah, Steering Group Member and Peer Educator

"During the time I have been involved in YPV. My confidence has grown and I feel a lot more comfortable in my own skin. I'm more at ease socially and I feel that I can take on new challenges. My teamwork skills and communication skills have all improved and I feel more confident in speaking up and expressing my views."
Raymond, Steering Group Member and Peer Educator

"YPV is good to get involved in if you want to have your say and make an influence on the kinds of activities Allsorts does. In the time I have been involved in YPV, I have gained many new skills, whilst having fun (and a laugh) along the way."
Sam, Steering Group Member and Peer Educator

At the moment we are particularly looking for Young People's Voice Representatives to develop the various new volunteering opportunities. As a Young People's Voice Representative you will take part in monthly team meetings to develop the volunteering opportunities and related activities. In return, you will receive free training in management/leadership skills and accreditation/certificates for your work. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed and refreshments will be provided at the meetings. You will gain new skills and meet new people while supporting the development of an exciting volunteering programme for LGBT youth.

For more information about becoming a Young People's Voice Representative or getting involved in any of the other volunteering opportunities, please contact Marianne Lemond, the LGBT Youth Volunteering Development Worker, by clicking click here.

YPV is part of vinvolved, the national youth volunteering programme. To find out more about volunteering opportunities in your area visit www.vinspired.com.