The Youth Voice Project is a dynamic initiative focused on youth participation and research in partnership with Vincentia High School, Firefly Bay and Basin, Youth Insearch, and Western Sydney University.
Empowering Youth Participation
This collaborative project seeks to effectively engage young people in discussions surrounding social issues specific to the Bay and Basin community. Through comprehensive research and dialogue, we aim to understand the experiences of local youth, their interactions with services, and the social challenges they face.
Training and Support
Participants of the Youth Voice Project receive training from Western Sydney University in research skills, empowering them to act as peer researchers within the Vincentia High School community. Additionally, they receive project development and project pitching training facilitated by the Firefly team, and additional youth support is provided by Youth Insearch.
Project Outcomes
The culmination of the Phase 1 peer research is the Youth Voice Roadmap, a comprehensive report outlining the research findings and insights gathered by the Youth Voice participants. This roadmap will serve as a valuable resource for community and service organisations, aiding in the development and implementation of programs tailored to the needs of local youth.
Project Development and Pitching
Participants have the opportunity to develop project ideas based on the research outcomes. They are supported by Firefly to pitch these ideas to key community groups, service leaders, and influential organisations. In Phase 2 of the Youth Voice project, these projects have the potential to receive funding and be developed within a co-design framework with the Youth Voice participants, the Firefly team and wider community and implemented in the school of community.
Support and Generosity
The Youth Voice Project has been generously supported by the Foundation of Rural & Regional Renewal and Uniting’s Firefly Bay and Basin initiative. Additional funding for Youth Voice Project pitch ideas has been committed by the NSW Government as part of their investment in youth and regional communities.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Youth Voice Project or getting involved, don’t hesitate to reach out and say hello!
